Ransomware: protect your computer, remove malware, decrypt your files
Ransomware is on the rise, but how do you protect your files?
Ransomware, a type of computer virus that locks you out of your computer unless you pay a ‘ransom’, is on the rise.
A report from the Australian government reckons that an incredible 72% of businesses were hit by some form of ransomware this year, up from just 17% two years ago.
It’s not just businesses that are at risk either. Everyone from government departments to individuals could be hit.
Online security company McAfee Labs says it's the fastest-growing type of malicious software, with attacks increasing by 155% over the past year.
Earlier this year a form of ransomware called TeslaCrypt was discovered, which targeted online gamers, threatening that their game progress would be eliminated unless they forked out hundreds of pounds in digital currency Bitcoin.
It followed CryptoLocker, which targeted computers running Microsoft Windows. It is believed that this particular strain of ransomware extorted around $3 million (£1.98 million) from victims.
How does ransomware work?
Most malware ends up on your machine when you click a link or open an attachment from a dodgy email or fake software update. And ransomware is no different.
Once the ransomware is on your machine, it begins encrypting your files, so that you are unable to open them. You are in effect locked out of your own computer.
You will then be told that, in order to unlock your machine, you will need to pay a fee. This will likely have to be paid in Bitcoin, as it is much harder for the authorities to trace, and will amount to hundreds of pounds.
The ransomware may put you under pressure to act quickly, either threatening to delete files every 30 minutes unless the fee is paid, or to double the fee if it isn’t paid by a certain point.
In theory, once the fee is paid decryption will begin and your files will be released. In reality, that means taking the word of hackers though, so you may simply be milked for even more cash.
What to do if you’ve been hit with ransomware
Paying up leaves you vulnerable to further cybercrime – you’ll go on a so-called 'suckers list' and be targeted by yet more scams in the future.
But what other options do you have?
One option is to use backed-up versions of your files, if you have them. You can back up all of your files regularly to either an external hard drive or an online cloud service.
Alternatively, there are some firms offering ransomware removal software. Exactly what type of programme you need will vary, depending on the sort of ransomware that has made it onto your computer. This guide from PC World magazine gives a useful run through of your various options.
And don’t forget to report it to the police and to anti-crime organisations such as Action Fraud.
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Protecting yourself from ransomware
As well as regularly backing up your files, there are other things you can do to keep the scammers at bay.
Firstly, be on your guard. Don’t click on links in suspicious emails or download attachments that you weren’t expecting. Look out for signs that the email is part of a phishing scam, such as poor English or asking for inappropriate information. You are the first line of defence. If you are in any doubt about an email’s legitimacy, contact the sender yourself to check. That doesn’t mean clicking ‘reply’ either! Call them if possible.
Next get some decent antivirus software, and keep it up to date. This will act as a useful safety net should you click on a dodgy link by mistake. Similarly, get a popup blocker, which will keep some of the dodgy links at bay too.
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