What is Ransomware and how can you protect yourself from it?

I will provide a definition of ransomware as well as discuss how to safeguard our systems against it in this post. However, before we get started, let's first go over its definition.

What is ransomware?

The term "ransomware" refers to a type of malicious software that is designed to take control of your system and hold it hostage until a ransom is paid.

Before a ransomware attack, you have full access to your computer system.

Ransomware makes it so you can't access or change anything on your computer after an attack.

Why is ransomware so bad?

A virus that demands payment is known as "ransomware." Alternatively, the virus may be programmed to extract funds from the victim in exchange for a promise not to spread further until the victim pays the ransom.

What harm can a ransomware virus attack cause?

If your computer is infected with the ransomware virus, you won't be able to use it or access the files or other important documents you have stored on it until you pay the ransom.

The normal, secret, and private files you had before the WannaCry ransomware attack are all accessible.

Any type of file, public or private, is inaccessible following the WannaCry ransomware attack.

How to Protect Your Computer Against Ransomware Virus Attacks

To protect your computer from a massive attack through a ransomware virus, just follow the given steps:

(1) Make a backup of all the files that are stored on your computer.

(2) If you are using the Windows Operating System, then update and install the latest Windows security programs such as Windows Firewall, Windows Defender, etc.

(3) Make sure your operating system is up to date and install all the latest features and security updates.

(4) Keep an eye out for any strange or unexpected activity on your computer.

(5) Never read an email from an unknown sender.

(6) If you receive an email with an attachment from an unknown sender, do not open it.

(7) Get the latest software updates for your computer right away.

(8) Activate Windows Defender.

(9) Activate the firewall in Windows.

(10) You should always have your computer's real-time security features enabled.

These ten steps will help keep your computer safe from malware, such as the recent WannaCry ransomware attack.

Keep your OS up-to-date, as ransomware virus programs can modify their code to infiltrate even the newest OS versions. So, just let your OS update itself automatically.

The Best Way to Avoid a Ransomware Virus Attack

To avoid a catastrophic loss of data in the event of a ransomware attack, follow these steps:

• Make sure you're running the most recent build of Windows 10, and let it update itself automatically.
• Never click on a link in an email from an unknown sender, much less open an attachment from an unknown sender.
• To keep your computer safe, you should never download or install third-party plugins or software.

If you want to take extreme measures to prevent the WannaCry ransomware virus from infecting your computer, laptop, or computer system, then you should avoid connecting that computer to the Internet.

When did ransomware first appear?

Ransomware virus attack started on the date 12-05-2017, that is, on Friday, 12^th May, 2017.

What will happen after the ransomware virus attack?

People's computers became inaccessible and their data became encrypted after being hit by a ransomware virus.

A ransomware virus encrypts a user's files and then demands a ransom, usually paid in bitcoin.

What makes ransomware a major threat?

A ransomware virus attack is a big or massive attack, as this virus attack infects computers and servers on the same network.

How Many Countries Have Been Affected by Ransomware?

The WannaCry ransomware virus attack nearly reached too many countries, infecting over 150 countries and affecting over 250 000 computers in the first few hours (less than 3-4 days) of the attack.As a result, you can only imagine how widespread this ransomware attack is.

This WannaCry ransomware attack primarily targets universities, colleges, institutions, governments, etc., but individuals can also become a victim as the WannaCry ransomware virus also targets personal computers or individuals.

Basically, the WannaCry ransomware virus attack targets all those computer users who are using older versions of the Windows operating system that haven't been patched.

Therefore, if you are using an older Windows operating system such as Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, or Windows 8, etc., then just update your operating system so that your computer system will not be vulnerable to the current iteration of the WannaCry ransomware virus attack.

Computer Fundamentals Quiz

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