Have you ever heard of Ransomware? It's a form of malware. Cyber criminals use it to freeze your computer or phone, steal your info and demand a “ransom”. They'll demand anywhere from a couple of hundreds to thousands of dollars before releasing your devise. And often, even if you pay (which we don't recommend), you don't get access back.
Ransomware can affect your personal computer, phone, a business network, or a whole server.
Tips for consumers:
- Don’t click. Sometimes, just visiting a suspicious website can lead to a malware download. Be cautious when opening e-mails or attachments you don’t recognize. Even if the message comes from someone you know, their account could be compromised as well.
- Always back up your files. If you have offline copies of your personal information, ransomware scams won't affect you as bad. If targeted, it will be easier to ignore threats posed by cyber criminals.
- Keep your computers and mobile devices up to date. Having the latest security software, web browser and operating system are the best defenses against viruses, malware, and other online threats. Turn on automatic updates so you receive the newest fixes as they become available.
- Block popups. Turn on popup blockers to avert unwanted ads, popups or browser malware from appearing on your screen.
Tips for businesses:
- Educate your employees. If your employees understand how malware works, they can stop it from infiltrating the organization’s system. Educate them about the warning signs, safe practices, and appropriate responses. A strong security program paired with employee education will help prevent these threats.
- Manage the accounts. Restrict users’ ability to install and run software applications on network devices. this will limit your networks exposure to malware.
- Use a data backup and recovery plan for all critical information. Backups are essential for lessening the impact of potential malware threats. Store the data in a separate device or offline so you can access it in the event of a ransomware attack.
- Make sure all business devices are up to date. Ensure antivirus and anti-malware solutions are set to automatically update and conduct regular scans so that your operating systems operate efficiently.
- Contact your local FBI field office immediately to report a ransomware event and request help. Visit https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field to locate the office nearest you.
