Ransomware, can take over your computer!

Ransomware!  What is it

Ransomware is a type of malicious virus designed to take over your computer and render it useless until a sum of money is paid to the owner of the virus.  The virus can put a bunch of porn on your computer blocking you from using it.  Or it can install a virus that stops you from using your computer or network entirely.

How do you get the virus

The normal way to get the virus is by going to a website with popup ads that block the site until you click them.  You can also get them from clicking an unknown link in an E-mail or from downloading software from an unknown site.

How does it affect me

If you get attacked by a ransomware virus it can completely block your computer from use.  Usually, when it happens the attackers try to force some type of payment out of you in the form of making you buy a program to remove the virus or provide funds through a money transfer of some type.  However, do not send money to these individuals.  That will only encourage them and they might try to get more out of you

Can it affect my business

Ransomware can infiltrate your network and steal personal info about you and your company.  It can also shut down usage of the network crippling productivity.

How can I protect myself

First get a reputable antivirus software and install it.  Then enable popup blocking on your web browser.  Keep an eye out for emails that you do not recognize even if they make it through your spam guard.  If you don't recognize the sender don't open the E-mail and click their links.  Backup your computer as often as you can or make sure that your computer does it automatically.  If you do get attacked disconnect your computer from the internet and do a system restore to eliminate the virus.  If any of this does happen to you alert the FBI because most of the attacks are happening in the U.K. when it happens in the U.S. the FBI wants to know.

Thanks for reading.

calebsapps.com

Please check out another of my articles on Wifi network safety.

http://www.calebsapps.com/2016/08/evil-twin-network.html


Source:

http://us.norton.com/yoursecurityresource/detail.jsp?aid=rise_in_ransomware