Question Would my antivirus protect me from Akira Ransomware ?

[dan99t]

Hi,

I am using ESET Internet Security Antivirus on Windows 7 with the final 2020 update.

I have Fiber Internet connection with router.

Would any of above protect me from Akira Ransomware ?

I take precautions not to download any attachments in email or open suspicious emails but might make a mistake to open unknown websites.

Does router act as a hardware firewall or give any kind of protection ?

I do make backups everyday but if I get infected & replace SSD & HDD, would putting back a backup SSD, HDD again get infected & if yes what should I do ?

Thank You

 

[Ralston18]

Any particular reason for singling out Akira ransomware?

With Windows 7 way out of any support it is very likely that there are existing security holes and new security holes yet to be exploited.

Likewise for your AV software as I understand your post.

What your router can do depends a lot on the router/gateway itself. Likely there are some ways to help protect your network and attached devices.

Key is that you mostly just continue taking your own precautions and ensure that anyone else on your network is doing the same.

Fiber has nothing to do with it.

 

[dan99t]

Just read about Akira in the newspaper today since I don't get my news on social media.

I use only major news channels & paper media to get news.

With Windows 7 way out of any support it is very likely that there are existing security holes and new security holes yet to be exploited.

I know & have gotten a new Win-11 system but hate Win-11 " Tiny Text Size" & not being able to open several windows explorer & Internet explorer windows. Already tried everything on making text size larger.

I still would like to know if I get infected, would my backups work or they will also immediately get infected ?

 

[kanewolf]

Hi,

I am using ESET Internet Security Antivirus on Windows 7 with the final 2020 update.

I have Fiber Internet connection with router.

Would any of above protect me from Akira Ransomware ?

I take precautions not to download any attachments in email or open suspicious emails but might make a mistake to open unknown websites.

Does router act as a hardware firewall or give any kind of protection ?

I do make back ups everyday but if I get infected & replace SSD & HDD, would putting back a back up SSD, HDD again get infected & if yes what should I do ?

Thank You

First here is background on that ransomware -- https://www.tripwire.com/state-of-security/akira-ransomware-what-you-need-know

You have to ask yourself, would there be enough value in someone targeting me? A person with a single Windows 7 PC does NOT have value compared to a city or business.

For any ransomware, the solution is off-site and off-line backups.

 

[dan99t]

First here is background on that ransomware -- https://www.tripwire.com/state-of-security/akira-ransomware-what-you-need-know

Excellent read. Thank You.

 

[hotaru.hino]

The problem with a lot of anti-virus software is rely mostly on malware signatures to protect you. Some may try to use behavioral analysis, but they can't really rely on that because legitimate apps may be considered malware.

In addition, when it comes to security, AV software should only be one tool in the line of defense. It shouldn't be your main line of defense. I liken it more to maybe say lane-departure warnings in cars these days. You shouldn't rely on it.

 

[dan99t]

The problem with a lot of anti-virus software is rely mostly on malware signatures to protect you. Some may try to use behavioral analysis, but they can't really rely on that because legitimate apps may be considered malware.

In addition, when it comes to security, AV software should only be one tool in the line of defense. It shouldn't be your main line of defense. I liken it more to maybe say lane-departure warnings in cars these days. You shouldn't rely on it.

Thank You.
Really appreciate your advice.