Viruses and other forms of malware have
been around for awhile now, but ransomware represents a whole new level of
online threat. Unlike the first computer viruses, which sought to destroy data,
and the later forms of malware which sought to steal it, ransomware actually
holds your files hostage until you pay a ransom to get them back.
The required ransom for the return of the
data varies widely, from a couple hundred dollars to thousands or tens of
thousands when large businesses and critical infrastructure like hospitals and
government agencies are targeted. Regardless of the amount demanded, a
ransomware infection is an extremely scary and dangerous thing.
Even worse, once your system has been
compromised the same ransomware bandits could strike again, taking your data
hostage and holding you up for even more money. As with earlier forms of
computer hacking and malware infection, the best way to protect against the
growing threat of ransomware is prevention. Here are 4 smart ways to keep
ransomware off your computer and out of your life.
#1. Keep Your System Up to Date
Keeping your computer up to date is one of
the best ways to protect yourself from all kinds of malware, including ransomware.
Software and hardware manufacturers discover new vulnerabilities all the time,
and when they do they issue patches and updates. Installing those patches and
updates promptly is the best way to prevent ransomware writers from exploiting
those vulnerabilities.
#2. Use a Good Spam Filter
Many malware infections, including
ransomware, originate with an email written and sent by the bad guys. Using a
powerful spam filter is one of the best ways to protect yourself from these
threats. Check your inbox carefully and be sure to mark any suspicious messages
as spam. Over time, the spam filter will learn which messages are legitimate
and which ones are not, filtering out dangerous messages before you even see
them.
#3. Think Before You Click
Even the best spam filter cannot catch
every suspicious email, and it is up to you to use common sense and good
judgment. Always think before you click, and be suspicious of any email
containing embedded links. If in doubt, contact the sender to verify the
authenticity of the message, or go directly to the sender's website rather than
clicking the emailed link.
#4. Back Up Your Data Frequently
Threatening to hold your files hostage
does not carry the same level of threat if you have a backup copy ready.
Backing up your data on a daily basis is perhaps the best way to protect
against the threat of ransomware. If you have a current backup and a ransomware
infection does strike, you can simply clean your computer and download your
backed up files. Cloud backup services make this kind of protection easier than
ever before, so there is no reason not to do it.
Ransomware is a growing threat, and one
that is only expected to get worse in the future. If you want to protect your
computer, it is not enough to install anti-virus software and forget it. You
need to take proactive steps, and use your own common sense, to keep the bad
guys at bay and keep your data protected.
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