Ransomware – What is it and how do you stop your computer getting infected with it?
The Rundown On Ransomware
A form of malware, Ransomware is a computer virus that often pops up as “scareware” on the user’s computer screen. The idea of this virus is to try and extort money out of unsuspecting computer users through the use of blatant scare tactics. Once your machine is infested with Ransomware, little pop up messages will keep flashing up on your screen, warning you of virus infection and prompting you to click on them and purchase a service or a solution to have the virus removed.
This is where the user gets taken for their money. The only virus on your computer is Ransomware itself. The creators infected your computer with it and now want to blackmail you for money so the annoying virus will be removed.
CryptoLocker is one of the best examples of sophisticated Ransomware. The very moment this virus enters your computer it starts locking up all your files and folders so you can no longer access anything. When you do try, a message will pop up saying you need to purchase an encryption key to unlock the files and gain access again.
Once you pay up the extortionists do generally give you the encryption key to gain access again, but you do run the risk of them not giving you a key. There is also the possibility of them somehow gleaning your payment details as well and sucking your accounts dry.
Virtual extortion is what Ransomware is.
How To Avoid Getting Infected
The first order of the day, and something we should all do regularly regardless of computer viruses, is to perform backups of our important files and folders. Save copies to several locations like external hard drives; and don’t leave these hard drives hooked up to your computer or they risk infection as well. As a further precaution, back up to the cloud as well.
Always have quality anti virus software installed, running and up to date on your computer. Set it to update automatically so you always have the latest protection. If you are unsure about this, speak to a computer specialist.
Tips For Avoiding and Removing Ransomware
For starters, always keep everything on your computer updated. Many updates from Windows and other systems include a security update to help protect your system.
Unless you know and trust the sender of an email, never click on links embedded within the email. And definitely don’t open attachments.
Dubious programs such as pirated software downloaded from a torrent site or freeware site often contain viruses in the executable file.
If you find your computer has become infected with Ransomware, never pay the ransom. Instead, if you live on the Gold Coast, bring it in to A Tech In Need. We are experts at computer virus repair and removal. So never fear, we’ll get rid of it and have you up and running again. We are your local virus removal service.