What is Ransomware?
Ransomware is a form of extortion that happens when cyber criminals demand payment. It is a malicious software that is used to encrypt data or lock users out of their devices, and the criminals demand payment in exchange for restoring access to the data or device. 1
What should I do if I’m a victim of ransomware?
If the worst should happen, take a deep breath and don’t panic. Calmly assessing the situation now can save you a lot of stress later. Ask yourself: What data has been compromised? Look for things like encrypted files on your computer that you can no longer open. Did the hacker show you an email you don’t believe they should have access to? How valuable is the data? Can you afford to lose this data? Ideally, your data is backed up on another device or in the cloud so you can regain anything that the criminals have stolen. 2
How to avoid making the problem worse?
Never accept unsolicited help. This may be the hacker. Don’t click on pop-ups, links, or emails offering help, as these may also be affiliated with the ransomware. 2
Taking action
Now that you’ve assessed the situation, we can do something about it. Update all your passwords to lock criminals out of your online accounts. Make sure all your system software is up to date.
Would this data be publicly damaging to you?
It depends on the type of data that has been compromised. If the data is sensitive or embarrassing, then it could be publicly damaging to you.
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