uk666 5,298 Report post Posted February 14, 2017 How to spot a ransomware scam Ransomware is particularly sneaky, and can infect your machine if you accidentally pick up malware from a website or download. It operates in an alarming way, locking your PC out of the blue and accusing you of committing a crime, before demanding payment to make your system usable again. Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts files of infected PCs before demanding an extortionate payment for the encryption key needed to recover data. The malware typically arrives in the form of malicious email attachments prospective marks are encouraged to open or through exploit kits that exploit software vulnerabilities to push malware onto the PCs of visiting surfers. A recent multi-country study by security software firm Malwarebytes found that nearly 40 per cent of businesses had experienced a ransomware attack in the previous year. Of these victims, more than a third had lost revenue and 20 per cent had to stop business completely. More than 4,000 Brits have had their computers infected with ransomware this year, with over £4.5m paid out to cyber criminals, according to Action Fraud. The signs of a ransomware scam Below is some real example of a ransomware pop-up message. It is an alarming message to see flash up on your screen, since it freezes you out from accessing your PC and accuses you of committing serious crimes: The software often claims to be from the FBI or local police, as in our pictures illustrated here. The message may have a veneer of authority, such as imagery of police logos, but there is nothing official about it. The scams often claim to have found evidence of pornography on the computer, embarrassing targets into paying the stated fine. In our examples here, a huge catalogue of alleged crimes has been listed. However, in reality, no one who had committed any of these crimes would be let off with a fine paid online. The ransomware message typically demands a voucher from a payments company such as Ukash, because these do not leave a trace, unlike regular online bank transfers. What you should do, if you computers are infected with ransomware: You can avoid the scam as you would any malware. Never pay the ‘fine’, even if you cannot access your PC. You will only be putting money into criminal pockets. making the payment, this may stall not unlock your PC anyway. If you have been affected, you can usually remove the ransomware from your system by running a recovery tool, such as the free download Norton Power Eraser. However, because your computer is locked, you may need to use another machine to download the program, then save it to a USB stick and run it on your computer after starting it up in Safe Mode. How to protect yourself from ransomware: The good news is you don’t need special ransomware products to protect yourself or your computer network from ransomware. Rather, the same methods of protecting yourself that been recommend for your general computer security apply: use firewalls up-to-date anti-virus anti-spyware software keeping your browser, system software and other software up-to-date with the latest patches. Further, we recommend you use a pop-up blocker if you do not already. A lot of ransomware is delivered via pop-ups. And of course, be very careful about downloading software, games, screensavers, etc. which can include the ransomware. Last but certainly not least, it is vital to back up not only your personal computer files very regularly, but also your system files as well. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bigbenn 24 Report post Posted June 17, 2017 Use Faronics Deep Freeze and lock your "C" drive while you are on the internet. Get a Ransomeware demand and tell them to shove it, reboot your PC and begin again on the internet, unmolested...secure and free. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hoxx 1 Report post Posted August 15, 2017 THANKS FOR THIS POST Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
