Ransomware stops you from using your PC. It essentially holds your PC or files for “ransom”. Ransomware is a cyber-crime that hits many victims around the world and has been doing so since the late 80s. Ransomware is a type of malware that is delivered to your computer system through infected email attachments, drive-by-downloads, socially engineered malware, malvertising, or unknowingly via hacked websites. Once on your system, ransomware gets to work and starts encrypting and locking down your files. It then makes a demand to you, usually via a pop-up on your computer screen asking you to deliver a ransom in exchange for a key that will unlock your inaccessible files. Just because you have been hacked does not mean you will lose everything or have to pay the ransom. If you are unsure of how to proceed, contact someone who has experience dealing with ransomware.

It’s good to remember that the best way to prevent ransomware from attacking your computer is to be preventative. Back up your data. The best practice is to use what is known as the 3-2-1 rule: three copies of the data, stored in two different formats, with at least one copy stored off-site or offline. Ensure that your endpoints and servers are patched and up-to-date. Make sure you have appropriate endpoint protection. Carefully scrutinize emails, especially those that contain attachments, regardless of who appears to have sent them. Remember, it is not the end of the world; it’s just a setback.

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