Ransomware is not unusual in the world of computers but how many of you know what it is, what it can do and best practises to avoid it?
With Wannacry bringing down many global businesses and organisations such as the NHS in the UK, it would be advisable for most of us to have a little understanding of what ransomware is.
Ransomware basically encrypts your data, so that you cannot access it. To gain control over your data, you are asked to pay a fee to the crook that wrote the malicious code.
If you are hit with ransomware – do not, under any circumstances pay the ransom. These people are criminals and all you are doing by coughing up, is giving them a reason to release another version of their code some time soon.
There is also the strong probability that despite your payment being made, you will never receive the unlock key.
So what can you do to prevent an attack or indeed recover from it?
Firstly, ensure your computer is kept up to date with the latest security patches from the operating system supplier such as Microsoft or Apple. Always have a trusted virus checker installed and again, maintain your protection by updating the virus pattern whenever possible.
Back up your data regularly. This way you can recover lost data whether it is from ransomware or a hard disk failure. This is the key. If you do not back up your data, you can kiss it goodbye as the code developers use advanced encryption to prevent you ever accessing it again.
On a brighter note, many ransomware attacks never affect home users. This is because home PCs tend not to have certain components installed that are required to let the code run. Businesses are more often the targeted audience.
That does not mean you cannot become a victim, so take heed over the warnings and follow the guidelines to avoid disaster.
There are ways to remove the malware from your computer but the data will be as much use to you as an ashtray on a motorbike.
Remember – regular backs of photos, music, documents is a must!
Source : BBC
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