Ransomware!

It could happen to you, the occasional computer user:  Ransomware!

Regardless of how often you use your computer, the average computer user, not knowing much about the way that danger lurks on the Internet, can become a victim.  It is possibly the third most common form of cyberattack, accounting for 10% of breaches and increasing 62% in 2021. 

According to the FBI, Ransomware is a type of malicious software, or malware, that prevents you from accessing your computer files, systems, or networks and demands you pay a ransom for their return.”

FBI Report.  The files are encrypted, recoverable only by the kidnappers.  The malware typically locks up your PC and any storage attached to it – sometimes attacking all the devices on your home network.  If the encryption is strong, it is nearly impossible to break.   The ransom is typically requested in cryptocurrency; this alone is an obstacle for the consumer who will have no knowledge of how to obtain this type of payment.

If you haven’t backed up your computer, then you will need to pay to recover – and like kidnappers of people, there is no guarantee of return nor that you will get all of it back.  Even if you have backed up your computer, if the drive is attached, it can be locked.  If you have backed up using a cloud service, access to these files can be locked unless the software has a feature to enable it to recover from ransomware. 

Like other forms of malware, you can download ransomware by clicking on an email attachment or when on the Internet and clicking on a link (or by not keeping your PC and software up to date allowing a “backdoor penetration”.  The exploit may not be immediate – it may take seconds to minutes.  Be aware that sometimes spammers will send an email threatening you with ransomware if you don’t pay.  You can assume if they could infect you, they would have, but still, don’t click on any links and permanently delete the threatening email.

In 2020 there were almost 800,000 complaints with financial losses of 4.2 M.  Up to 75% of attacks are on small businesses!  Only a minority were covered by insurance.  But consumers are “low hanging fruit” and more likely to pay up, so this does provide an attractive market.

The best prevention besides careful clicking is current, quality antivirus.  Antivirus recommended by PC Magazine:  2022 Recommended Antivirus.  Periodic backups of your hard drive(s) locked in a safe can also help salvage your valuable content in the event you can’t recover what has been encrypted.  And beyond that, implement all the reasonable protection for your home network. Be aware the websites infected with malware can parade as legitimate.  Enjoy using the Internet while being safe!  See:  https://seriouspursuits.com/1687042089349/pc-security-maintenance/

Photo: Ransomware Vectors by Vecteezy