Ransomware is a type of malicious software (malware) that, when it infects your computer, encrypts the data on your computer and sometimes also locks you out of your operating system requiring you to pay a fee (a ‘ransom’) to regain access to your files and computer. It is one of the most serious security threats that face businesses and individuals because of the potential damage it can cause and the ease with which an unwitting user can allow it to infect their system. Below are methods you can use to block ransomware attacks.
• Never click on unverified links – you should never click on links in unsolicited (spam) emails or click a download link on a website that you have not first verified. Once you allow the ransomware process to begin (by clicking the link) it will begin the process of encrypting your data and/or locking you out of your operating system. Usually a demand will be made for a payment to unlock your data. You should never make this payment since it encourages others and you have no guarantee that the scammer will actually decrypt the files.
• Do not open email attachments in unverified mail sources – email attachments may seem innocent enough but clicking on a malicious attachment enables the attacker to run a script on your computer that can execute the ransomware software. Never open attachments that require you to enable macros to view them for the same reason.
• Only download from trusted sites – if you download unknown software from a site that you haven’t verified and run it on your computer you can never be sure that the software does not contain a ransomware attack: you should only ever download from reputable websites.
• Never give out your personal data – if you receive an email or phone call asking you for personal details do not comply: in a ransomware attack that relies on phishing the attacker may try to use this information to make an email appear to come from a trusted source making it more likely you will click on a malicious link.
• Keep your operating system and security software updated – making sure your operating system and security software is up-to-date means that the latest security patches have been applied: this can block ransomware attack before it begins.
• Never insert an unfamiliar USB device into your computer – just the act of plugging it into a USB port can execute software contained on it which could contain ransomware.
