Ransomware can drain your pocketbook and cause massive headaches. But what is ransomware and how can you protect your family? Ransomware is infamously harmful software. It locks your computer data, then sends a ransom to restore access. Unfortunately, many victims end up paying the cyberthief to restore their information. There is often a time-limit and the threat of losing your data permanently.

Imagine a stranger on the internet taking all of your data. This means your family pictures, banking information, emails, documents, and more. Now imagine they are holding those files hostage. Ransomware comes in different forms, but the thing they have in common is, you’ve guessed it, a ransom letter.

Some forms of ransomware include: crypto malware, scareware, lockers, and doxware. It used to be more popular in bigger businesses and banks, but now ransomware is targeting American families. It is smart to take proper safety measures to ensure your family’s data stays safe.

  • Prevention is important in keeping your personal data safe. Security software, like Clean Internet, can help keep your information safe by filtering out harmful websites where cybercriminals may reside.
  • Don’t install anything that you aren’t sure about, especially toolbars or addons to something you are already installing.
  • Talk to your family about the importance of internet safety, such as, not opening email attachments from unknown sources. Everyone must do their part to keep the family devices safe. Make sure your family knows not to give away any personal information over email and text.
  • Back up your data on an external hard drive and cloud services.

If you are already infected with a ransomware virus, never pay the ransom. Since this is an online stranger, you don’t know if they will ever give you your files back. They may keep extorting money from you or coming back for more. Ransomware is a big criminal enterprise. No matter what, don’t feed the machine. Report the incidence to your local police and take measures to protect yourself from future attacks.

For more information on how to keep your family safe, call 219-728-5030.