Keeping your machine safe!

How does ransomware get on your computer?

by Justin Richter 

You can get ransomware if you click on malicious internet links, download malicious files, open infected email attachments or from a USB stick.

Precautions against ransomware attacks

Awareness is the best way to avoid any ransomware attacks,

1. Keep Windows Operating Systems up-to-date. – run windows updates!
2. Always back-up your important data in an external hard-drive or cloud storage such as OneDrive or Drobox
3. Enable system protection or File History (restore points)
4. Thoroughly check your emails before opening any attachments! Why did I receive this, who is it from?
5. Where possible, disable the loading of macros in your Office programs.
6. Disable your Remote Desktop feature whenever possible.
7. Use two-factor authentication for your Gmail and windows accounts.
8. Avoid browsing websites that are often the breeding grounds for malware such as illegal download sites, porn sites and gambling sites.
9. Use, and regularly update F-secure!
10. Have a pop-up blocker installed in your browser

Common ways a PC or laptop get infected (virus/Malware/Spyware)

 -  User accepting installation prompts without reading

an Internet advert or window pops-up that says your computer is infected with a virus and needs to scan or that software is required for you to install in order to download something. You accept the prompt.

-  When you’re installing ‘free software’ that you obtained from the internet and it has check-boxes already checked to install additional applications bundled with your download. You accept the prompt.

- Visiting / Downloading software/movies/music/pictures from unreliable or illegal sources

Many modern viruses can be hard-coded into the website data which is downloaded into your temporary internet files automatically just by loading the webpage.

- Opening email attachments without knowing who they are from and why you have been sent them.  Double check the sender’s email address and confirm that the mail is relevant.

- Plugging infected USB sticks and external hard drives into your laptop without scanning them first.

Malware - Malware is the blanket term for all malicious software designed to disrupt, damage or steal from a computer system (viruses, spyware and ransomware).

Spyware - software that enables a user to obtain covert access to information and functions.

Ransomware - a type of malicious software designed to block access to a computer system until a sum of money is paid.