The internet is an invaluable recourse for many users. However, it also can pose many risks for unsuspecting users. One of the many risks that users can find themselves running into is known as ransomware.
Scammers have long since used fear and intimidation with the intention to trick inexperienced users into giving up what they want. Often times could be anything from personal information to credit card numbers and more.
Ransomware is a special kind of malware that can infect your system with devastating results. Some malware can do something as simple as displaying fake Anti-Virus and FBI warning messages and others can completely hold your system hostage. The latter are especially harmful and can encrypt your entire hard drive holding the key hostage until you pay them enough money or lock down your system. This might be less scary for a user who has little more on their computer then some music files and a few pictures. However, if a user that has years of family photos held hostage or documents they need to do their job this might be very stressful situation for them.
If you become a victim of ransomware a solution may not be easy to come across. The less dangerous ransomware is potentially removable by a good antimalware program. However, If you are dealing with a more serious infection, you could be forced to take more drastic measures. This could mean you may have to completely wipe your hard drive possibly losing your files in the process or take your computer to a professional.
It is recommended that you never provide any of the information that these messages request from you. If you were to provide information to the people on the other end it is unlikely they will cease the attack on your system. When in doubt about possible ransomware you may want to consider contacting a professional for advice
Another good way of dealing with ransomware is by making sure you never become infected. Changing your browsing habits and using a protection program like cpgProtect (http://cyberprotectiongroup.com/information-security/complete-security-protection-with-cpgprotect/) cpgProtect secures your system by making sure that threats are quickly discovered and stopped before they infect your system.
Photos courtesy of Christiaan Colen via flicker (CC license V2)