Protect Your Computer From Ransomware
Using a VPN can protect you from malicious websites. A good antimalware solution will wipe out any infected devices. If you have an uninfected backup, you can restore your system.
Ransomware is a form of malware that encrypts files and asks the user to pay a fee to get them back. The threat is primarily directed at business users, but government organizations and medical facilities are also targeted.
Ransomware often targets personal computers. Eventually, it may spread to other machines on a network. It’s important to isolate the infected device to minimize damage to the environment. This includes shutting down wireless connectivity.
The attacker launches a campaign using malware that they download from a remote machine. The ransomware agent installs itself on the victim’s computer and displays a message asking for a payment. The amount of the ransom increases over time. Eventually, it will demand the payment in cryptocurrency. Depending on the amount of the ransom, the files will be decrypted or not.
Several different ransomware variants have emerged. Some use an exploit kit to drop the malware onto a machine, while others use a more secure programming language. This makes it easier for threat actors to tailor the malware.
Ransomware can also spread to other devices on the network. For example, some versions may delete backup files, but others may spread to attached drives.
In some cases, the ransomware will display information about the files that have been encrypted. The victim will be asked to contact the attacker through an anonymous web page or email address.