If you usually read my articles (like 3 of them) you might know what a phishing email is, and if not, go read my article about phishing (as an alternative, just google: what is phishing?). This will give you an idea and you will be able to understand better where Ransomware comes from.
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The powerful internet describes Ransomware as a form of malware* that encrypts your files. Then, the asshole who got you demands a ransom from you to restore access to your data. These delinquents usually get you through phishing emails* that have something that seems legit but guess what? It is not, and they screw you over. They take full control of your computer or device and then encrypt* most (if not all) of your files. After taking over the computer, the screen will show a message asking for ransom, usually bitcoin, and they promise you that everything will go back to normal once you pay. It is usually about a 50/50 chance that they give you back your files or just keep asking for more. The files cannot be decrypted without a mathematical key known only by the attacker, that supposedly when you pay you to get it and only then you can unlock your stuff.
That being said, how can you prevent all this mess?
- Update your computer’s system always (in other words, click on that annoying notification you always get and that you postpone for the next day). Update it!
- Do not install random software that requests special privileges.
- INSTALL AN ANTIVIRUS
- All-day and every day you should back up your files. This obviously will not stop the attack but it will reduce damage.
Malware: Is computer software that is designed to damage the way another computer works.
Encrypt: To change electronic information or signals into a secret code (system of letters, numbers, or symbols) that people cannot understand or use on normal equipment.
