Why is ransomware so dangerous?

As technology actively develops as it does, criminals are using ever more sophisticated methods of stealing our money. We receive short messages on our phones and mail with hyperlinks to images or programs that "interest us" However, in reality it's viruses that control our mobile device or computer.

You could, for instance, place an advert on an advertisements platform for selling a product. In a couple of hours, you get an SMS with an offer to trade your item for another along with a link to pictures of the product. It is possible to download the software that is specially designed in the event that you click on this link from an Android phone. It will transfer all the money to the account of the criminal.

Another method of attack used is to send mail messages that include link text as well as a hyperlinks, which prompt users to click the link. In this case, for example, the intruder might offer you good job and you need to fill out the form by clicking the link. Your computer or mobile device will then be infected by trojans, or a "keylogger" that will read data from your hard drive and stores keystrokes. The attacker will then employ these information to attack your computer. Based on the analysis of data obtained, the attacker will be able identify your personal passwords and use them to steal money , or personal information.

What exactly is ransomware?

Ransomware, which is based on the human mind, is a completely new method of making cash for hackers. In this instance, when you click on a link, your device will be blocked and you get a message like this: "You need to transfer 100dollars for you to be able to access the device , and to prevent data loss. "

Most of the time, the software code alters autorun files or the registry when you access these links. The user then sees this message. If you do transfer money, it won't alter anything, and you don't have access to your device.

But, there are also more serious versions of ransomware which can wipe all information on your device. It is important to note that ransomware doesn't create backups in this case and your information is lost for ever. Nobody can retrieve it remotely.

Therefore, it is essential to use antivirus or special programs to repair your system. Don't ever pay anyone else!

How do you safeguard yourself?

It is first necessary to keep the database of antivirus up-to-date. The majority of infections are prevented by antivirus systems.

Second, back up your data frequently. For this, you can use either a portable hard drive or cloud services. You can easily restore your files if you erase the data from your device.

Be aware, and that's the most important thing. Studies show that malware may be a threat to a mobile or computer device in the majority cases when it opens an attachment to the letter, for example, an attached image, in your mailbox. Unknown recipients may send attachments that you should not open. To safeguard yourself against the threats, utilize temporary mailboxes. It will conceal your identity online and filter out any messages that are suspicious. The research shows that temporary mail boxes are less susceptible to attacks of this kind since their time-frame is limited.

Summary

Do not open emails from unidentified people, and never open attachments.

If your device has been restricted, you should not transfer money to intruder, since your device isn't unlocked. To resolve the issue, use antivirus or special scripts.

Make use of disposable mail as it helps protect yourself from attachments to mail that could contain malware.