Ransomware is what?

As technology actively develops the intruders employ ever more sophisticated methods of stealing our cash. We frequently receive messages from the mail box or mobile device with images or software that could "interest us" but in reality, they're viruses that gain control over our devices or computers.

For example, you can, post an advertisement on an online platform for selling a particular product. A few hours later you receive an email that offers to swap the product you are selling for another that includes a hyperlink to images of this item. You can download the software that is specially designed in the event that you click on this link on your Android phone. It will transfer all the money into the bank account of the person who did it.

Another well-known method of attack is to send messages via link and text, which encourages users to click on the link. For example, an attacker could give you a good job, and you need to fill out a form by clicking on the link. As a result, your device or computer is infected by malware, such as trojans or a "keylogger" which reads data from your hard disk and also records the keystrokes and then forwards the data to the intruder. Based on the examination of the information obtained, the attacker will be able to identify your personal passwords , and use them to steal money , or personal information.

What exactly is ransomware?

Ransomware is a completely new method of earning money from criminals that is based on human psychology. If you click the link, your device is blocked and you receive the following message: "You must transfer 100$ to restore access to your device and prevent the loss of data." "

Typically, when you open this link, a special code modifies Autorun or registry files and the user sees this message. Even if you make a transfer of money, it will not affect anything and you don't have access to your device.

Ransomware can also cause serious damage to your system. Note that malware doesn't make backups, so your data will be lost forever. There is no way to retrieve it remotely.

It is therefore essential to utilize anti-virus or specially designed scripts to repair the system. In any case, don't transfer money to intruders!

How to protect yourself

It is vital to ensure that the database for antivirus is current. Most of the time antivirus programs are able to prevent infection of the operating system.

Second, backup your files regularly. To do this, you'll need an external hard drive or cloud service. It is easy to restore your files if you erase it on your device.

Be alert, and that's the most crucial thing. According to research generally, malware can infect a computer or mobile device after opening an attachment to a letter from your mailbox, for example when opening an attached picture. Unknown recipients may send attachments to you that you shouldn't open. The best way to safeguard yourself against such messages is to make use of temporary mailboxes to conceal your identity on the internet and block the most dangerous messages. Research shows that temporary mailboxes are less vulnerable to such attacks because their duration is short.

Summary

Be careful not to open mail from unknown sources and never open attachments to mails from unknown people.

If your device has been blocked, don't send money to the intruder as your device isn't unlocked. To resolve the issue make use of antivirus or other special scripts.

Use disposable mail because it allows you to protect yourself from attachments to mail that could contain malware.