RansomwareRansomwareWhat is it?

Ransomware is a type of malicious software that is designed to restrict individuals or corporations from accessing their files or computer systems until a sum of money is paid.

Who is at risk?

Everybody with a device that connects to the internet! Ransomware has been reported on most operating systems in use today, Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, and even Android. So no matter what device you are using don’t assume you are safe from Ransomware.

How do you get ransomware?

Ransomware is no different than any other type of malware.You can easily pick up Ransomware by doing any of the following activities online;- Visiting unsafe, suspicious, or fake websites.- Opening emails and/or email attachments from people you don’t know or people that you weren’t expecting an email from.- Clicking on malicious or bad links in emails, Facebook, Twitter, and other social media posts or instant messenger chats, like Skype.

What an attack looks like

The following unexpected events could mean that you are infected with Ransomware.- Encrypted files - Renamed files - Locked browser - Locked screen - And the most obvious is the Ransomware note, without this they wouldn’t be able to instruct the victim on how to pay the ransom.able to instruct the victim on how to pay the ransom.

How to prevent it

Here are some key tips in preventing Ransomware from accessing your computer.- Don’t click on any link on a webpage, email, or chat message unless you absolutely trust the page or sender. Malicious links usually have something wrong with them like misspellings or an unusual file extension at the end.- Use reputable antivirus software and a firewall to protect your computer or network.-- Enable pop-up blockers. This will help keep websites from automatically downloading files to your computer.- Keep your computer software updated with the latest security patches. This includes all software, operating systems, and antivirus software.

For more information you can visit https://www.us-cert.gov to learn about cyber securityPlease contact Plateau at contactus@plateautel.com if you have any concerns about Ransomware