Ransomware: Quick Tips

1. What is Ransomware?

Ransomware is a malicious computer program that locks you out of your files or devices, and demands that you pay a ransom (typically in Bitcoin) to restore access.

2. How can you get infected with Ransomware?

  • You can get infected with Ransomware when you open malicious links or attachments in emails, removable drives, websites, chats or text messages
  • It is also possible to get infected with Ransomware without opening any malicious links or attachments — for instance, a threat actor can take advantage of weaknesses or misconfigurations in your device or apps to introduce Ransomware

3. How would you know if you are infected with Ransomware?

  • You would notice strange file names, icons and/or file extensions
  • You would not be able to access infected files or devices
  • You would receive a notification demanding that you pay a ransom to unlock your files or device

4. What can you do if you have been infected with Ransomware?

  • Isolate the infected device by disconnecting it from the Network/Internet
  • Perform a full scan of the infected device with an up-to-date and reputable anti-malware
  • In some cases, it may be necessary to completely reinstall the Operating System on your device. But first, ensure that you have a non-infected backup of your data somewhere
  • Restore your data from your non-infected backup

5. What if you do not have a proper backup of your data?

Visit the NO MORE RANSOM website https://www.nomoreransom.org/en/decryption-tools.html to check if a free decryption tool is available for the specific Ransomware strain

6. Should you pay the ransom?

The short answer is NO. You have no real guarantee that your files and/or devices will be unlocked if you pay the ransom. You may also be targeted again in the future.

7. How can you avoid getting infected with Ransomware?

  • Do not open suspicious links or attachments in emails, removable drives, websites, chats or text messages
  • Install reputable anti-malware software on your devices
  • Update your device Operating System and apps regularly
  • Regularly backup your data to an external location

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