Ransomware Alert: Microsoft Office files are Running Rampant

Ransomware Alert: Microsoft Office files are Running Rampant

Hackers are constantly evolving the methods to transport Viruses to users around the Globe. Hackers have ridden all kinds of horses to enter your backyard. They have used failed security patches in software updates, software backdoors to infect files, malicious email attachments, and whatnot.

In the past few months of the year 2020, Hackers have increased the number of attacks through malicious office files. Though using an Office file to transport viruses isn’t a new thing in the security industry, using them so extensively is what the point of concern is. Let’s look at this change in trend a bit more closely.

Also Read: Biggest Ransomware Attacks To Know About in 2021

Recent Malware Trend:

Security Analysts have estimated an increase of about 67% in the use of Microsoft Office’s Malicious Files as the means to transport malware around the world, especially Rampant Ransomware. Yes, it came at the expense of reduced usage of PDFs as Malicious Malware Files by about 22% in the same period.

Malicious Files Windows 10

How Fatal is it?

Using Microsoft Office files as a larger means of Transporting Rampant Ransomware is very fatal because as the statistics suggest, users are highly ignorant about what files they open, what does it contain, etc. Also, Rampant Ransomware isn’t like any malware. All your data is compromised and held hostage by the hackers the minute you open the file. The best thing you can do to get your data back is by paying the ransom.

To put it in your perspective, let me show you some real numbers:

According to Safety Detectives, “38% of all Malware are being Transmitted through Office Files”. And “out of 50,000 reported cases of Malware attacks, 92% were sent through Emails.” This means that if Hackers are widely used Document files as a means of Transporting Rampant Malware through emails, the number is going to skyrocket very soon.

Also Read: Ramnit Malware: How it Works and How to Remove it

Prevention:

Rampant Ransomware, like any other malware, is transmitted through the most common of sources. When they are being transmitted through the Doc files, there are a few simple ways that hackers use to transmit these malicious files to your PC. You can prevent such attacks from happening to you in the following way:

1. Avoid Email Attachments from unknown sources: 9 out of 10 Malicious Email Attachments sent over the web are opened by the users. While this was working fine with all other viruses, with Rampant Ransomware, it is going to be FATAL. Because once the Rampant Ransomware gets hold of your files, the only real way to get your files back is paying the Ransom. Hence, it is highly advisable not to open any doc file from an unknown source.

2. Avoid Downloading Docs from Unknown Websites: While we are searching for information on the web, we rarely care about the websites we visit. Also, we don’t stop ourselves from downloading any Document that promises to contain the information we want. This is an excellent opportunity for hackers to exploit your ignorance.

3. Employ an Antivirus: There are various other sources too through which you may receive a malicious Document containing Rampant Ransomware. So, the only solid method to ignore being hacked, use good Antivirus software on your machine for better peace of mind. Though there are various Antivirus Solutions available in the market, we suggest using Systweak Antivirus if you are using a Windows machine.

Also Read: Bitdefender vs Kaspersky vs Systweak Antivirus

Systweak Antivirus:

Systweak Antivirus is one of the best virus protection solutions available in the market. It is known for its best in Industry Malware Protection. Let’s discuss some of its most highlighted features in detail:

Click Here to Download Systweak Antivirus

  • Unrivaled Malware Protection: Systweak Antivirus provides the best in class protection even from the most dangerous of malware, including Ransomware, Viruses, etc.
  • Real-Time Protection: Systweak Antivirus offers Real-time protection to protect your data from attacks like Ransomware which takes your PC hostage as soon as they get on your PC. Systweak Antivirus detects and eliminates these threats before they can do any harm to your PC.
  • 24*7 Technical Support: In times of crisis, a person with expertise is what we need. Systweak Antivirus offers 24*7 Customer support to help you in your time of need.

With these amazing features and more, Systweak Antivirus can protect your PC from a lot of threats, including Rampant.

So, this was all about How Microsoft Office malicious files are being used as Rampant Ransomware transporters around the world and how you can protect yourself. I hope you found the information helpful. If you have any queries or suggestions, do let us know in the comment section below.

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