Why Ransomware is So Dangerous and How to Protect Yourself
Ransomware is a malware which tries to extort money from the innocent computer users. These malware takes your files hostage and keeps them for ransom that forces you to pay 100$ to regain access.
Some of the malware are not created by the bored teenagers but now they are produced by organized crime to make profit.
How Ransomware Works
Not every ransomware is identical. The main factor that makes the piece of malware “ransomware” is that it effort to extort the direct payment from you.
Some of them are so disguised that it may work as the “scareware,” showing a pop-up which says
“Your computer is infected and you need to purchase this product to fix the issue” or “Your computer has used to download illegal files, to continue using your computer pay a fine.”
In such case the ransomware can be more up-front. It hook up deep into your system, displaying message that it will go away only if you pay the money to the ransomware’s creators. This kind of malware is bypassed via malware removal tools or simply by reinstalling your Windows.
But unluckily Ransomware has gain more popularity with its nasty behavior. It starts encrypting your personal files after gaining access to your system, preventing access to your own files without the encryption key. It frequently display message informing that your files have been locked with the encryption and you got few days to pay up. If you pay the ransom money assuming that it will simply move away after getting the money then you are wrong. After getting the money they will surely hand you the encryption key but they won’t leave your computer. In fear of their given threat that your computer is locked because of watching porn videos or visiting illegal sites
How to Avoid Ransomware
The most important thing is to stay and remove them from your computer. Apart from having the proper backup strategy you can avoid ransomware in the same way you can avoid other piece of malware. This malware is generally verified to arrive via email attachments, Java plug-in, and even get installed on computers unintentionally.
- It is always advised to use a good antivirus program that can stop the ransomware in its tracks. Antivirus programs are not perfect every time but you can keep it as your protective layer.
- Stop running any suspicious files. Ransomware generally comes in your system via.exe files attached to emails, illicit websites containing malicious software, and many more. So be attentive and exercise the caution over the files that you download and run.
- Keep your software up-to-date. Never use an old version of web browser, operating system, or browser plug-in that allow malware in to enter into open security holes.
Ransomware is brutally efficient and smart so need to be more smart and quick. It just wants to take your money by holding your important files that you urgently need.
