What is Ransomware? A Primer on this Malicious Software

Have you heard about ransomware but aren't sure what it is or how to protect yourself from it? You're not alone. Ransomware is a type of malicious software that has been increasing in popularity among hackers and cybercriminals, and it can have serious consequences if you or your business becomes a target. Let’s take a look at what ransomware is and how you can protect yourself from its malicious effects.

What is Ransomware?

Ransomware is a type of malicious software that hackers use to gain access to your computer system and encrypt all of your data, preventing you from accessing it until you pay the hacker a ransom fee. Hackers usually demand payment in cryptocurrency like Bitcoin in exchange for unlocking your data.

Once ransomware has infected your system, the only way to get your data back is by paying the ransom—which can be exorbitant—or by restoring all of the encrypted files from an external backup, if one exists. In either case, there’s no guarantee that the hacker will actually unlock all of your files after they receive payment. That’s why it’s so important to take steps to protect yourself from becoming a victim of ransomware in the first place.

How Can I Protect Myself From Ransomware?

The best way to protect yourself from ransomware is by taking proactive measures before any malicious software infects your system. The most important step you can take is to keep your computer up-to-date with the latest security patches and antivirus software. Additionally, you should avoid downloading any suspicious files or clicking on suspicious links sent via email or text message. Finally, make sure that you always have an up-to-date backup of all of your data stored securely offsite so that if something does go wrong, you won't have to worry about losing any critical information.

Conclusion

Ransomware can be an extremely damaging form of malicious software if it finds its way onto your computer system. Fortunately, there are steps that everyone can take to protect themselves against potential attacks and minimize the chances of becoming a victim—including updating their security patches regularly, avoiding unfamiliar downloads and links sent via email/text message, and maintaining an up-to-date backup stored offsite at all times. Following these simple tips will help ensure that both businesses and individuals remain safe from this dangerous form of malware.