1 year, 4 months ago
What is Ransomware? Have there been any reports of significant usage or distribution of Ransomware in the United States?
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M$1 Answer
If you take precautions already, this is something that you won't have to worry about.
Is your firewall up along with your anti-virus and spyware software?
Are you using a pop-up blocker? Ransomware is usually delivered via pop-up.
This Ransomware sounds worse than it is. This is just malicious code used to hijack your computer files and demand a payment in return. It's high tech extortion. This is only a problem with PC users and not Macs. These attacks are browser based, and I'll bet you $20 they are happening on IE and not Firefox with Ad-Blocker plus.
There is one Ransomware program that is a trojan horse that slips in and password protects your files, but the writer of this virus made a critical error by putting the password into the code. At this link: http://www.scambusters.org/ransomware.html you can get the password. The site will also let you know what other precautions you can take.
If you don't keep top secret pentagon documents on your computer, and keep a regular back up of not only your personal stuff, but system files as well... there is no need to worry even if one of these could slip through.
Computer World states that Ransomware is coming in through malicious PDF documents:
http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9198743/Ransomware_rears_ugly_head_demands_120_to_unlock_files But if you're Adobe software is current, you'll have a much lower chance of this happening.
There are new and improved scams breaking out everyday globally to catch people who don't know how to protect their computers. Being on the defensive and actually running your anti-malware programs helps. As long as you're not downloading screensavers and illegal music, clicking on spammy links, or playing with pop ups... you should be fine!
Is your firewall up along with your anti-virus and spyware software?
Are you using a pop-up blocker? Ransomware is usually delivered via pop-up.
This Ransomware sounds worse than it is. This is just malicious code used to hijack your computer files and demand a payment in return. It's high tech extortion. This is only a problem with PC users and not Macs. These attacks are browser based, and I'll bet you $20 they are happening on IE and not Firefox with Ad-Blocker plus.
There is one Ransomware program that is a trojan horse that slips in and password protects your files, but the writer of this virus made a critical error by putting the password into the code. At this link: http://www.scambusters.org/ransomware.html you can get the password. The site will also let you know what other precautions you can take.
If you don't keep top secret pentagon documents on your computer, and keep a regular back up of not only your personal stuff, but system files as well... there is no need to worry even if one of these could slip through.
Computer World states that Ransomware is coming in through malicious PDF documents:
http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9198743/Ransomware_rears_ugly_head_demands_120_to_unlock_files But if you're Adobe software is current, you'll have a much lower chance of this happening.
There are new and improved scams breaking out everyday globally to catch people who don't know how to protect their computers. Being on the defensive and actually running your anti-malware programs helps. As long as you're not downloading screensavers and illegal music, clicking on spammy links, or playing with pop ups... you should be fine!
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M$
Haha, that is the funniest thing I have ever seen.