30 Jan How to Deal with Ransomware

Posted at 23:04h in , , by

Ransomware is computer software that, once installed, encrypts files or even your whole drive without permission.  In order to access your data, you must purchase the decryption key. Even if you pay, the criminals may, or may not, send you the key!

The most important thing you can do to protect yourself against this threat is to:

  1. Back up your important files on another computer, to the cloud, or on tape. This way you can reformat your computer and restore your data.
  2. Use anti-virus software.
  3. Keep your operating system updated.
  4. Don’t open any attachments someone sends you by email.  (Unless you are sure what it is.)

If worse comes to worst, and your data is encrypted, there is a possibility that some sort of decryption tool has already been created.  You will need to know the type of malware that has caused your problem to see if this an option.

Our investigators may be able to help you if you find yourself in this situation.