{"id":81514,"date":"2022-10-27T10:28:20","date_gmt":"2022-10-27T14:28:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/brocku.ca\/brock-news\/?p=81514"},"modified":"2022-10-27T16:42:36","modified_gmt":"2022-10-27T20:42:36","slug":"brock-its-offers-tips-to-prevent-ransomware-attacks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/brocku.ca\/brock-news\/2022\/10\/brock-its-offers-tips-to-prevent-ransomware-attacks\/","title":{"rendered":"Brock ITS offers tips to prevent ransomware attacks"},"content":{"rendered":"

A ransomware attack can result in permanent data loss, intellectual property theft, privacy breaches and reputational damage for Brock employees and the greater University community.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In 2021, colleges and universities worldwide experienced a surge in ransomware attacks, and some incurred significant operational and financial costs.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As part of\u00a0<\/span>Cybersecurity Awareness Month<\/span><\/a>, Brock Information Technology Services (ITS) is educating the University community with information and tips that can help protect technology users\u2019 identities and data.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ransomware is a type of malicious software that encrypts files to block access to information unless the infected user pays a ransom. When hit with a ransomware attack, users can lose access to their important files, apps and computer. In most cases, it is impossible to recover the encrypted files without payment, and even if the ransom is paid, there is no guarantee the files will be recovered.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Types of ransomware attacks<\/strong><\/p>\n

The most <\/span>prevalent ransomware attacks are executed via phishing emails or security holes:<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n