What Ransomware and how can I avoid it? -
Imagine using your computer on a typical Saturday night, maybe catch up email or looking for the perfect movie for download and watch. You click on a seemingly innocent link and file downloads and installs on your computer. Suddenly your entire screen goes black and a warning appears that the security of your computer has been compromised and saying the only way to regain access to your files is by calling specific phone number. You try to stop and restart your computer, but the same screen appears each time.
Feeling scared about the security of your files, you call the number on the screen and listen to the person on the other line tells you the only way to return to your computer is to pay a money for it to be fixed. If anything the situation seems out of you, then you would be correct, because this is just one of many scenarios where ransomware - a type of malware - can be used to deceive and intimidate people into handing over money criminals. To understand how to avoid being a victim of ransomware, you must first understand what it is and how it generally behaves when it infects the computer of a person.
What is ransomware?
As indicated above, Ransomware is a type of malware that is designed to prevent that user from using their computer somehow. It is usually disguised as legitimate files you download, although there are those based on a browser that can be triggered by clicking on the wrong link. Among the problems that cause these programs are file encryption (preventing you from accessing it), stop the applications (such as your web browser) running and prevent access to Windows or your entire system. While some take the tactics used in the above scenario and try to make users think that they live a computer problem, many claim that you did something illegal with your computer and use the FBI or other graphic application of the law to further confuse and frighten victims.
to get your computer back, usually you'll be asked to pay a fine or be required to take some kind of action such as filling out a survey. These fines are rarely more than $ 500, and there will be instructions to one input of a credit card number, bank information or purchasing a Green Dot MoneyPak. Unfortunately, even if you pay, there is no guarantee that you will be free of malware completely. users of personal computers are not the only ones who have to worry about ransomware - it has also been known to target entire websites as well as large and small businesses alike. Historically, PC users have been the target of ransomware, so you should worry if you are not using a PC?
Do I have to worry if I have a Mac?
For a long time, ransomware attacks were limited to PC users, but cybercriminals are always changing, and just last week a ransomware program was able to penetrate Apple systems for the first time. In general, Mac users should be more alert when it comes to surfing the Internet and not take for granted the low historical penetration of malware in Apple computers. And more consumers buy Apple products, more profitable it becomes for hackers and cybercriminals to target. Fortunately, as cybercrime got smarter, so has the technology designed to stop it. - And most of the best Internet security software offer Mac versions
What about mobile devices
With? the increase in people using mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets, a day after day, it is natural that cyber criminals have begun to target these devices with ransomware well. According to the security firm Blue Coat, there was a significant increase of mobile ransomware attacks in 2015. In most cases, it is disguised as a legitimate application users can unwittingly download and install. Android devices are more sensitive than iOS, but all mobile device users should beware. Fortunately, since many mobile devices are designed to save most of the data of their users to cloud-based services, a complete wipe is not always absolutely devastating. And, as the Panda Security points out, there are ways around some ransomware.
How can I protect myself?
Double check your security settings
This is particularly important for those who use mobile devices, but also goes for your computer. Make sure you know what your security settings are and you have your smartphone configured not to allow downloads or app automatically installing apps from unofficial sources, such as Apple or Google Play app stores. These stores are designed to resist downloading malicious code and do their best to prevent anything from slipping through the cracks; you will not be able to rely on third-party sites to offer the same level of security. Activation of the protection offered by your browser can help protect against visiting dangerous sites.
Internet security software purchase
The Internet security software today is not what it was a decade ago. Nowadays, security suites are designed to fight against the dangers that threaten your connected devices. Gone are the days of buying a separate license for each computer - now you can buy affordable security for all your computers and mobile devices. If you are concerned about ransomware, you'll want to look for security software that provides specific backup tools to help in case of such an attack. - Such as Norton Power Eraser tool
backup, backup, backup!
Perhaps the most frightening aspect of ransomware is the threat it poses to your documents and important files and precious. Nobody wants to lose years of hard work on their new or sensitive company data or even their bookmarks online. Fortunately, you do not need. Investing in online backup is a way to ensure that even if your computer or mobile device to be infected with ransomware that could not be cracked, your files are still accessible. And after all, it is very threatening if you know you already have copies of everything that is being "held hostage", is it?
What should I do if my computer is attacked?
When it was introduced, ransomware was a huge threat because an infected system it was potentially unrecoverable. Fortunately security companies are working to catch up and defeat these monsters before Undefeatable. In June 2014, a free tool to help the victims of the ransomware cryptolocker was released by FireEye and Fox-IT. If you find yourself facing ransomware on your PC, Mac or mobile device, it is important that you do not give in to the temptation to pay the fine or follow the instructions.
Your options at this point are taking your computer or device to a computer repair shop to see if anything can be done to decrypt your files or remove the ransomware from your computer without damaging your system or files or use recovery tools provided by your Internet security software. No matter what, do not pay the ransom. There is no guarantee or not you actually get access to your files, and you may also become a target for further malware attacks on the road or even be victims of identity theft, cybercriminals may have collected information personal your device.
What if I have already paid?
If you or someone you know is the victim fell to ransomware and paid the fine, you should contact your bank or credit card company immediately to try to get arrested or reversed payment expenses . It's also a good idea to contact the FTC and file a complaint for fraud.
Ransomware is certainly one of the most frightening things a user might come across online, but the most important thing is to keep your head. Remember that it is unlikely, even if you are doing an illegal business online, you want to be contacted about it through a pop-up on your computer, or pay a small fine would immediately disappear. As with all scams, acting with prejudice and suspicion is one of the best ways to protect yourself.
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