October marks the start of Cyber Security Awareness Month (Cyber Month) in Canada. Protect yourself and learn why cyber security is important to everyone.
What is Ransomware?
Ransomware is a type of malicious software (malware) designed to hold your files or computer hostage, demanding a ransom payment to regain access. It has become very popular because it is highly profitable for criminals.
How Does Ransomware Infect Your Computer?
Ransomware typically infects your computer when you open an infected attachment or click a malicious link in a phishing email. Once infected, it encrypts files on your hard disk or entire hard drive, making them inaccessible. The only way to recover your files is to pay the ransom, often demanded in untraceable digital currency like Bitcoin.
Protect Against Infection
- Update Your System and Software: Cybercriminals exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software. Ensure your operating system, applications, and devices have automatic updates enabled.
- Enable Antivirus: Use up-to-date antivirus software from a trusted vendor. While antivirus software can detect and stop malware, it cannot block or remove all malicious programs or recover files after a ransomware infection.
- Be Vigilant: Cybercriminals often use phishing emails to trick people into installing ransomware. Be cautious of emails that create a sense of urgency or seem too good to be true.
Back Up Your Files
The best defense against ransomware is regular backups. Use automated backup solutions to regularly back up all your files and test your restore procedures to ensure you can recover them if needed.
