Hacking for ransom is on the rise and hits people where it hurts, locking them out of files, photos and critical records until they pay hackers a bounty to restore their access. Last year's 2,453 reports of ransomware hackings totaled a loss of $24.1 million. Here are five tips to make it less likely that you will become a victim:

Make safe and secure backups

Once your files are encrypted, it's nearly always game over. Ransomware sometimes targets backup files on an external drive. You should make multiple backups — to cloud services and using physical disk drives, at regular and frequent intervals. It's a good idea to back up files to a drive that remains entirely disconnected from your network.

Update and patch your systems

The recent samsam viruslike attack takes advantage of at least two security vulnerabilities on servers, including one discovered in 2007. Updating software will take care of some bad vulnerabilities. Browsers such as Chrome will automatically update behind the scenes, saving you the time and deterring hackers.

Always use antivirus software

It's basic, but using antivirus software will at least protect you from the most basic, well-known viruses by scanning your system against the known fingerprints of these viruses. Low-end criminals take advantage of less-savvy users with such known viruses even though malware is constantly changing and antivirus software is frequently days behind detecting it.

Make sure your workforce knows the basics

Basic cyberhygiene such as ensuring that workers don't click on questionable links or open suspicious attachments can save headaches. System administrators should ensure that employees don't have unnecessary access to parts of the network that aren't critical to their work. This helps to limit the spread of ransomware if hackers do get into your system.

If hit, don't wait and see

Hackers will sometimes encourage you to keep your computer on and attached to the network, but don't be fooled. Shut down your network. If you're facing a ransom demand and locked out of your files, law enforcement and cybersecurity experts discourage paying ransom, because it incentivizes hackers and pays for their future attacks.

Associated Press