Ransomware: Don’t get held hostage

Ransomware is a relatively new form of malicious code that can seize control of a victim’s computer and hijack the files. The files are then encrypted by the code, so you can’t read them. The thieves responsible for the ransomware then demand a ransom before they’ll give you the decryption key.

The amount of the ransom can range from something nominal, like $10, to hundreds of dollars or a demand that the victim make a purchase to meet the demand.

Click here to read excellent article by Brian Krebs on the Washington Post blog about this subject.

You can protect yourself from ransomware by using the same “safe computing” techniques you’ve been using – use firewalls, keep your anti-virus and anti-spyware software up-to-date, download security patches when they’re released, and be cautious about downloading files even from people you know. And, of course, maintain regular backups of your entire system, not just your data files.

Jacquelyn Lynn