Ransomware Archives

DNS. What The Heck Is It And Why Every Internet User Should Care

by Bill Pitz | Aug 10, 2023 | DNS, Domain Names, Email, Malware, Net10.net Blogs, Ransomware

Have you ever wondered how your computer knows where to find the website you’re trying to access? Or how your emails reach their intended recipients? Behind the scenes, a critical technology called DNS (Domain Name System) plays a pivotal role in translating human-readable web addresses into machine-readable IP addresses. In this blog post, we’ll explore the significance of DNS and why you should care about it, focusing on Net10.net DNS and other Internet Services.

What is DNS?

Imagine the internet as a massive web of interconnected devices, servers, and networks. Each device has a unique identifier called an IP (Internet Protocol) address, which looks like a series of numbers. While computers can easily communicate with these numerical IP addresses, they could be more user-friendly for humans. That’s where DNS comes into play.

The Domain Name System acts as a digital phone book of the internet. It converts user-friendly domain names (like net10.net) into the corresponding IP addresses (like 203.0.113.10). When you enter a URL into your web browser, the DNS server is queried to find the correct IP address associated with that domain name, allowing your browser to connect to the correct server and fetch the website’s content.

Why Should You Care About DNS?

User Convenience: DNS simplifies our lives by simplifying how we access online resources. Just imagine if you had to remember a string of numbers for every website you wanted to visit! Thanks to DNS, you only need to remember the memorable domain names and the system handles the rest.

Faster Browsing: Efficient DNS resolution directly impacts your internet browsing speed. When a domain name’s IP address is cached locally, subsequent requests to the same domain can be processed faster, reducing website loading times.

Reliable Email Delivery: DNS is not only about accessing websites; it also plays a crucial role in email communication. Email servers use DNS to find the correct mail server for the recipient’s domain, ensuring your messages reach their intended destination. DNS records are also used by the recipient’s mail system to verify that your message came from an authorized source.

Secure Internet Experience: Cybersecurity relies on DNS to prevent users from accessing malicious websites. Domain Name System filtering and blacklisting help protect users from phishing scams, malware, and other cyber threats.

The Significance of Net10.net Internet Services

While Net10.net is an illustrative example in our blog post, it is essential to understand that every website, service, or email you interact with relies on the DNS infrastructure. Net10.net, like any other domain, requires proper DNS management to ensure its accessibility and functionality.

For website owners, managing DNS records correctly is crucial for website availability and performance. Misconfigured Domain Name System settings can lead to website downtime, which may result in lost revenue and decreased user trust. Similarly, DNS server outages can also lead to unreachable websites and undeliverable emails.

DNS is a behind-the-scenes technical aspect of the internet, and its importance cannot be overstated. The Domain Name System enables seamless communication between users and online resources, making the Internet accessible and convenient for everyone. Whether you are a casual internet user or a business owner, understanding and appreciating DNS will undoubtedly enhance your online experience.

So, the next time you enter Net10.net into your browser’s address bar or any other domain name, take a moment to appreciate the magic of DNS, the unsung hero that makes the internet a global network of possibilities.

Ransomware And How To Protect Your Data

by Curtis Jolley | Jun 1, 2023 | Net10.net Blogs, Ransomware

Protecting your data from a ransomware attack requires a combination of preventive measures and proactive practices. Here are essential steps Net10.net recommends you take to help safeguard your data.

Backup Your Data

Regularly back up any files and data, you want to protect to an external hard drive, offline storage, or secure cloud-based service. Ensure that your backups are not directly accessible from your computer or network to prevent them from being compromised in an attack. You can restore files affected by a virus or hackers using a previous backup. Net10 backs up files daily, weekly, and monthly.

Keep Your Software Updated To Prevent Ransomware/Malware Attacks

Regularly update your operating system, software, and applications with the latest security patches and updates. Many attacks exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software, so staying up to date can help protect you from known vulnerabilities.

Keep Hackers Out By Using Solid And Unique Passwords

Create substantial and complex passwords for all your online accounts, including email, social media, and file-sharing services. Consider using a good password manager to generate and securely store your passwords.

Be Cautious With Emails With Attachments And Links

Avoid opening email attachments or clicking on suspicious links from unknown senders. Be especially vigilant with email attachments that end in file extensions like “.exe” or “.vbs,” as these can execute malicious code.

Use Reputable Security Software

Install and regularly update reputable antivirus and antimalware software on your devices. These programs can help detect and prevent malware infections, including ransomware.

Enable Automatic Software Updates

Enable automatic updates for your operating system and software whenever possible. That ensures that you receive critical security patches on time.

Educate Yourself And Your Team

Stay current about the latest threats, and teach yourself and your team about best practices for cybersecurity. Be cautious about sharing sensitive information online and teach others to recognize and avoid potential risks.

Use A Firewall To Protect From Ransomware Attacks

Enable and regularly update a firewall on your computer or network. Firewalls act as a barrier between your devices and the internet, helping to prevent unauthorized access and filtering out malicious traffic.

Limit User Privileges

Restrict user privileges to the minimum necessary for each individual. That reduces the potential impact of a ransomware, virus, or malware attack by limiting the access attackers have to critical files and systems.

Implement Network Segmentation

Net10 Internet Services can segment your network into different zones with varying access levels and security controls. That can help contain the spread and limit the damage if one part of the network is compromised.

Additional Information

Remember, while these measures can significantly reduce the risk of a ransomware attack, maintaining a proactive and vigilant approach to cybersecurity is crucial. Review and update your security practices to stay ahead of evolving threats. At Net10, we encourage our clients to read our related blogs, such as “What Is Ransomware” and “Email Phishing Attacks — And Preventative Methods.” Contact us if you have any questions. We are always glad to help!

What Is Ransomware?

by Curtis Jolley | May 31, 2023 | Net10.net Blogs, Ransomware

Ransomware And What To Do About It

Ransomware is malicious software (malware) designed to encrypt files on a victim’s computer or network with a ransom demand for payment for the decryption key. It is a form of cyber extortion that times have severe consequences for individuals, businesses, and organizations.

The attack often displays a message on the victim’s screen, informing them that their files have been locked and providing instructions on paying the ransom to obtain the decryption key.

Hackers carry out ransomware attacks to profit financially from their activities. They may demand payment in a specific cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin, to make the transaction more difficult to trace. The amount of ransom required can vary widely up to millions of dollars.

Victims of ransomware attacks face a difficult decision. Whether to pay the ransom, as there’s no guarantee that the cybercriminals will provide the decryption key, also encourages further attacks. When a ransom is paid and the files decrypted, the victim’s system may still be compromised, leaving it vulnerable to future attacks.

Preventing ransomware attacks involves implementing various security measures, such as regularly updating software and operating systems, using strong and unique passwords, employing anti-virus and anti-malware solutions, being cautious with email attachments and suspicious links, and regularly backing up important files to offline or cloud storage.

How To Know If You’re A Ransomware Victim?

If you’re not sure whether you’re a victim, here are some signs from Net10.net to look out for:

Encrypted Files: Ransomware typically encrypts your files, making them inaccessible. It could indicate an attack if you cannot open or access your files and notice unusual extensions added to them (e.g., .locked, .encrypted, .crypt).

Ransom Note: Ransomware often leaves a ransom note or message informing you that your files have been encrypted and providing instructions on making the ransom payment. This note may appear as a text file, a pop-up window, or even the desktop wallpaper.

Changes To File Names Or Extensions: Ransomware may alter them, making them unrecognizable or adding random characters.

Unusual Network Activity: If you notice unusual network activity, such as slow internet speeds, frequent crashes, or unexpected network connections, it could indicate that malware is actively encrypting your files or communicating with its command and control servers.

Disabled Security Software: Hackers may attempt to disable your anti-virus or anti-malware software to avoid detection. If your anti-virus software is disabled or you cannot start it, that could be a red flag.

Pop-Up Messages Or Warnings: You might see notifications on your screen claiming that your computer is infected and demanding payment to resolve the issue.

System Issues Or Strange Behavior: Successful attacks may cause your computer to slow down, freeze, or crash frequently. You might also experience unusual behavior, such as the appearance of new, unfamiliar programs or icons on your desktop.

If you notice signs similar to these, it is crucial to act quickly:

Disconnect From The Network: Immediately disconnect from the internet and disconnect any other devices or shared drives to prevent the ransomware from spreading further.

Report The Incident: Contact your IT department or hosting provider and report the incident, or contact the authorities such as law enforcement or a dedicated cybercrime reporting agency.

Seek Professional Help: Consult with a Cybersecurity Expert or an incident response team to assess the situation, mitigate the damage, and potentially recover your encrypted files. Net10 Internet Services, LLC makes daily, weekly, and monthly backups to restore files.

Prevention is better than dealing with the results of a ransomware attack. Regularly backing up your files, maintaining up-to-date security software, and practicing safe online habits may reduce your risk of being a victim. Check out our highly-rated blog posts to learn more and obtain expert tips from Net10.net. Especially read our “Email Phishing Attacks And Preventative Methods” and this timely follow-up blog, “Ransomware And How To Protect Your Data for additional advice.

If you have concerns about protecting your data, contact us today! We are here to help and have many cost-effective solutions for every size of business, no matter how small or large your organization is.

Email Phishing Attacks — And Preventative Methods

by Curtis Jolley | May 4, 2023 | Email, Net10.net Blogs, Private Cloud Hosting, Ransomware

Email phishing attacks are Internet attacks where the attackers send emails that appear to be legitimate. However, their goal is to trick you into revealing sensitive information, such as passwords or financial details. Some can install harmful software on your computer or mobile devices. Here are some steps you can take to avoid falling victim to email phishing:

Be vigilant about emails from unknown senders: If you receive an email from an unknown sender or an email that looks suspicious, do not click on links or download any attachments.

Check links and attachments before clicking on them: Put your cursor over a link and look to see if the URL is secure. It should start with https://. Also, look carefully at the URL, as It may not be the website you visit after clicking the link. Tricks include misspelling words you may not catch and using a combination of letters such as an r and an n to look like an m, like this: rn. Clicking fake links means downloading a virus or allowing someone to install ransomware and take control of your device. If there is an attachment and you are unsure what it is about, don’t open it. That is another way someone can install a virus or ransomware on your computer or mobile devices.

Verifications: It is always a good idea to verify a request via phone or other communication channels (NOT one referenced in the suspicious email, but one that is known to you from your personal or business relationship with the sender). For example, title and escrow companies always do this by requiring a phone call to their office to verify wire instructions.

Use anti-phishing tools: Use anti-phishing tools provided by your email service provider or install anti-phishing software to help detect and block phishing attempts. See Tip #1 below.

Check the sender’s email address: Check the sender’s email address carefully to ensure that it matches the legitimate email address of the company or organization they claim to represent. See tip #2 below.

Don’t provide personal information: Never provide personal information, such as passwords or financial details, in response to an email request.

Keep software up to date: Keep your operating system and antivirus software up to date to protect against known vulnerabilities.

Be wary of urgent requests: Emails that demand an immediate response or threaten dire consequences if you don’t comply are a red flag. Do not respond and simply delete them. Mark as spam and block them.

Net10.net Quick Tips:

Consider upgrading your security to include a Virtual Private Network (VPN). You can still use your email accounts safely without one. However, the risk of getting phishing or malicious emails is significant. With a VPN, you can eliminate many dangers, and you will be able to make your email communication safe, secure, and private for you. We highly recommend ExpressVPN. Let us know if you have VPN questions. We are always glad to help!
Email headers contain lots of information, including sender/recipient details. Do a quick review to see if the sender’s information matches what you see in the from section of the message. If not, it may be a phishing attack.
Here is an example from Outlook 365:

Click on the Message tab, and select Tags to view Properties.
Next, find the Internet Headers section.
Look at the Received From details to determine who sent the email.
If something doesn’t look right, you may not want to respond!

If you don’t use Outlook, do a quick Google search for View Email headers and type the name of the app you use for step-by-step instructions, such as Gmail. Like this: How to view email headers for Gmail.

We hope this information about email phishing is helpful. If you have questions or other topics you want Net10.net to write about in our blog, just let us know at support@net10.net.