Learn how to prevent your applications from these criminals.
Data hijacking, what now?
Ransomware is a type of malware that hijacks the victim’s data and charges a ransom to return it. The criminals request payment in bitcoin (virtual currency), which is virtually untraceable.
This return is not at all guaranteed, given that we are talking about criminals, so it is advisable to take all security measures.
This type of cybercrime has been growing a lot in recent years, beware. In August of this year, the Renner company had its system partially paralyzed, the chain of stores was without access to its website and payment system for 4 days. ☹
Criminals enter the user’s operating system via a link or even a website with which the user is already familiar and infect it without the user realizing it. Once everything is ready, they issue an attack alert to the user, informing them that the computer is blocked and will only be released once a ransom has been paid.
Without payment, the system is closed, and criminals can leak some data to increase the threat.
1) Choose a strong password:
Choosing a more complex password is extremely important, use letters, numbers and special characters if possible.
2) Don’t open unknown links:
They can install programs without our knowledge.
3)Keep your Windows up to date:
Microsoft always makes security updates, so it’s important that you keep up with them.
4)Make constant backups of your files:
If you fall victim to these criminals, you won’t lose all your data.
5)Keep your antivirus up to date:
Up-to-date software prevents threats from invading your computer and trying to damage, steal or even delete your information.
6)Show hidden extensions:
Files named with the extension “.PDF.EXE” can be hidden in Windows. If you reactivate the ability to see the full file extension, it may be easier to locate suspicious files.
Once the computer is locked, it is very difficult to remove the ransomware, as the user cannot gain access.
🧐 Be alert to any suspicious activity and take all preventive measures. As these are criminals, even paying the ransom does not guarantee the return of the hijacked data.
