Don’t hold your PC hostage to ransomware

The English word ransom means ‘ransom’. Ransomware is malicious software that completely locks the computer. All files on a PC, or the PC itself, are encrypted. The user can no longer use it. After payment, the criminals behind the software sometimes undo the encryption.

Ransomware has to be installed somehow. A leak is often used. But almost always an action from the user is also required; he/she clicks on an attachment in an email or a wrong link on the internet after which the malicious software is installed. If you continue to pay close attention, the risk of infection will be minimized.

Take care of the following things to prevent infection with malicious software:

1. Keep the operating system up to date
   Windows PCs and the Mac automatically install the critical updates. But it can’t hurt to check if everything is set up correctly. How? Read it in the tip ‘Check Windows Update settings’.
2. Uses an antivirus package
   Every computer must be protected with a virus scanner. One antivirus is enough, don’t install more packages.
3. Watch out for attachments
   Attachments in emails are notorious. Therefore, never open them just like that. Make sure that the sender is trustworthy and that you are not dealing with a phishing email. Don’t know the sender? Do not open the attachment. And is the sender known but are you in doubt? Just call first just to be sure.
4. Don’t just install any program
   On the Internet, you may just come across notifications warning that your system needs to be updated, or something similar. By running a scan or installing a program, the system can be helped according to the message. Always, always, these reports are false! Ignore them.
5. Have a backup
   Something can always go wrong with a computer, so a backup is a must anyway. Everyone wants to keep their important files safe, right?
6. Keep the most important files in a protected backup location
   Those affected by ransomware will be happy to have a backup copy of their precious files. But be aware: those who make continuous backups run a risk. After ransomware infection, the files in the backup are also encrypted and thus unusable. There are two strategies to eliminate this risk.
   1. Make a backup at regular intervals, for example to an external hard drive, and then disconnect this drive. Ransomware cannot reach the drive this way. It’s a safe strategy. But it has one major drawback: you have to remember to make new backups regularly. If you forget that, you can still lose important files.
   2. Make a continuous backup and also back up the most important files to an external hard drive or USB stick. Then disconnect it.