Users Security Tips on Fighting Ransomware

What is ransomware?

Ransomware is a malicious software that cyber criminals used to lock the computing device or the files stored thereon. When your device is infected with ransomware, it displays a message through a pop-up window, webpage, or email telling you that your device or files have been locked and you have to pay before you can access them again.

 As there is no promising way to decrypt the affected files, it is important to avoid your device from being infected.

 How to protect your device?   

1. Beware of suspicious email. Do not open suspicious web links and attachments, especially compressed files (.zip,.7zip) or executable files (.exe).
2. Install security software and update to the latest signature.
3. Backup the important documents instantly and regularly. Keep the backups in a safe location to avoid being affected by malicious software.

If unfortunately your device is infected by malware, you are suggested to:      

1. Isolate and disconnect the infected machine immediately to avoid further damage.
2. Download Microsoft Safety Scanner and perform a complete scanning to remove the malware.
3. Restore the files and data from backup.
4. If no backup has been done previously, do not restore the system to avoid losing information required for decryptions.
5. NEVER pay the ransom as there is no guarantee that the attackers will unlock your files!

 Source: OoPpSs Group & Malware Securities