There’s an alarming resurgence in ransomware attacks across the globe. In Europe, Australia, the US, and all over Canada, computers are being infected with this type of malware that disables files until a ransom is paid. In essence, your data is kidnapped.
Ransomware spreads through emails and compromised (but otherwise legitimate) websites. Once your computer is infected, it locks your files and demands payment for the key – typically about $300 to $500 in untraceable bitcoins. You can remove the malware from your computer but you can’t remove the encryption from your files. The most widely-known culprits are CrypotLocker and CryptoWall but there are many clones.
Your anti-virus software, if it’s one of the constantly-updated products from a reliable vendor, is a good defence but it shouldn’t be the only one. With millions of dollars at stake, criminals are investing heavily in finding new ways to hack into your computer. Between April 2014 and June 2015, the FBI received 992 CryptoWall-related complaints, with losses totaling more than $18 million – and that’s just reported cases.
Prevent ransomware infections
- Do not click links in emails or open attachments unless you’re certain that they are legitimate and be especially wary of .ZIP files (watch for filenames like invoice.zip, resume.zip, fax_message.zip).
- Keep your antivirus software running and updated (if manual updates are required).
- Back-up files often so they can be recovered (without paying ransom!) if your computer or network is infected.
- Install patches and updates for all of your software – these can include important security fixes.
- When browsing, do not visit questionable websites, download unknown files, or click ads.
If you suspect that your computer is infected, immediately disconnect from the network and the internet. In the event that you receive a ransom message, do not click links. It’s best to completely shut down your computer and contact us.