Ransomware is a form of malware that gives criminals the ability to lock a computer from a remote location - then displays a pop-up window informing the owner that it will not be unlocked until a sum of money is paid. In some cases, the only usable part of the computer is the number keypad to enter a PIN to enable payment to the criminals. The best-known variety of ransomware in recent times is called CryptoLocker.
An additional twist is that an accusation of illegal activity or a pornographic image appears on the locked screen, making it more difficult for some users to seek help from anybody else, and simply resort to paying the ransom.
The Risks
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- For most people, we recommend an all-in-one internet security package as being more than adequate.
- Exercise caution about opening attachments or clicking on links in emails, and visiting unfamiliar websites.
Open a malicious attachment in an email.Your computer could be infected by ransomware such as CryptoLocker when you inadvertently:
- Click on a malicious link in an email, instant message, social networking site or other website.
- Visit a corrupt website - often these are of a pornographic nature.
- Open infected files from web-based digital file delivery companies (for example Hightail - formerly called YouSendIt, and Dropbox).
- Open corrupt macros in application documents (word processing, spreadsheets etc).
- Connect corrupt
USB connected devices (eg memory sticks, external hard drives, MP3 players). - Insert corrupt CDs/DVDs into your computer.
Avoiding Ransomware
- Do not reply to, or click on links contained in, unsolicited or spam emails from companies or individuals you do not recognise.
- Visit only websites you know to be reputable.
- Ensure you have effective and updated antivirus/antispyware software and firewall running before you go online.
- Regularly back up all your data, including to a USB-connected device stored remotely from your computer. This is because some ransomware can also infect your cloud-based storage.
If you have ransomware on your computer
- To detect and remove ransomware and other malicious software that may be installed on your computer, run a full system scan with an appropriate, up-to-date, security solution.
- If your computer has been locked by ransomware, seek professional advice from a trustworthy source.