Being held for ransom

by Whats Up Tech

Posted on July 20, 2017

Our computers are the digital filing cabinets we use to store all of our important information. We toss items on them that used to have a physical presence in our life. They are now our photo albums, our school lockers, and other items we would have tossed in a box in the past.

One day you receive an email. It looks like it is coming from a friend, family member, or work colleague. You read, “ Hey, check out this cool picture I have!”. You click on the attachment and before you know it, you are now staring at a message that someone just encrypted all of your files. There is no way to stop it. All you can do is feel the helplessness while watching your digital life be locked away. Most often, the ransomware will give you an option on gaining access to your files. Usually though, it will require some form of payment.

You have just been a victim of ransomware!

What is ransomware?

A type of malicious software designed to block access to a computer system until a sum of money is paid.

You can protect yourself and your digital life in a few easy steps:

• Be very sceptical of any emails with attachments. Even if they look legit or are coming from someone we know.
• Run your everyday computer user as a “limited user”. By avoiding running as administrator, the current user will be prompted to elevate permissions for any type of software installation.
• Keep an up-to-date back up of all your files. Do not leave the back up device connected to your computer.
• Do not click on links in spam email
• Do not click on anything telling you that a component on your computer is out of date. Always go to the vendors website!

Hopefully this information will help someone out in the future from falling victim to ransomware.

Until next time!

Tech Department