To fully comprehend how ransomware can affect cloud storage, it can be best to define what ransomware is. Ransomware has been around for a long time but has only recently been hitting headlines due to its surge in popularity and success among cybercriminals.

This can be attributed to the fact that ransomware can damage files on the system it infects while at the same time encrypting them, thus making them unusable or inaccessible until a ransom is paid to unlock them. The ransom usually takes the form of demanded payment in Bitcoin before a decryption key can be given to victims by cybercriminals.

When you are using file sync and share tools, can ransomware affect cloud storage?

The answer to this question is yes. It can take only a few seconds for ransomware to infect your local data storage. Then it can begin encrypting files on both local drives and the unmapped network shares automatically. Once ransomware has encrypted your files, can ransomware affect cloud storage? This answer also hinges on whether you have mapped an unmapped network share, which will sync with the cloud. The same holds true if you use versioning software like Dropbox or Google Drive for Business that syncs changes without mapping network shares.

Does Ransomware Affect Cloud Storage?

Let’s take a look at an example that can demonstrate how ransomware can affect cloud storage.

When you log into Dropbox or Google Drive, they can provide additional access to network shares. This can lead to the cloud sync working with ransomware-infected unmapped network shares, where files can be encrypted simultaneously on all ends, like your computer and the cloud storage. The only way to truly protect yourself against this is by keeping your data in one location.

One of the best ways to avoid having your files encrypted by ransomware is to back up often with reliable solutions like an online backup. That way, if your files are ever infected, you can restore them from a clean version stored safely offsite in the cloud.

Recovery Considerations with Cloud Storage

There are different approaches to the recovery process when it comes to cloud storage. There can be three layers of safeguards:

• The local backup can serve as a fail-safe if all other backups failed or were deleted. Upon initial installation, many users can opt for an automated backup schedule, or can manually trigger a backup once per day or week.
• The online backup can also serve as a fallback point in case the local and offsite backups fail and can restore your data without issues. However, this is only possible if your internet connection is up and running at that time.
• The offsite can provide you with access to your files even before they were backed up locally or online; thanks to the service’s early warning system, which can let you know of any changes in your data.
• They can also offer an extra layer of security when it comes to files that can’t be backed up offline, such as email messages, social media photos, and videos, website content, etc.
• – Ransomware can encrypt almost all of your data, including your photos, videos, documents, or website files.
• Cloud storage can backup most of the digital information in our lives today. Once files are in the cloud, it can be difficult to delete these files entirely without them being backed up somewhere.