China Daily’s new project “Make it Simple” explores the hottest topics in Hong Kong, going beyond the headlines. In our fifth episode, we focus on ransomware, a cyberattack technique that hit thousands of companies and public organizations worldwide in 2024.

What is Ransomware?

A type of malicious computer software that will encrypt files, databases or applications in the victims’ computers to make them inaccessible, and hackers will demand ransoms in exchange for the decryption keys for data recovery.

READ MORE: InvestHK checks for data leaks following ransomware attack

When attacked by ransomware:

Don't

•  Don't pay ransoms;

•  Don't use unauthenticated decryption software which are searchable online, because they may contain malwares;

•  Don't open any file before removing the ransomwares; and

•  Don't reset the system if no backup was done before attacks.

Do

•  Isolate and disconnect the infected system from network, including Local Area Network (LAN) and Wi-Fi, and remove external storage devices such as USB flash drives and hard disks immediately;

•  Search for the decryption tools in trustable webpages, such as those provided by governments.

•  Report the incident to Hong Kong Computer Emergency Response Team Coordination Centre, a platform for coordination of computer security incident response for local enterprises and Internet Users managed by the Hong Kong Productivity Council.

Sources: Hong Kong Computer Emergency Response Team Coordination Centre

https://www.hkcert.org/publications/fight-ransomware