Ransomware

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 widest-known varieties of ransomware in recent times are CryptoLocker and WannaCry. 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

• Open a malicious attachment in an email.
• 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.
• Always install updates to software and apps - including operating systems - as soon as prompted.
• 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.
• Bear in mind that even when a ransom is paid, the criminals responsible rarely unlock the files

If you have paid for files to be unlocked

• Report the incident to the police