How to protect yourself from Ransomware

Have you ever noticed a little pop-up window on your computer screen telling you something is wrong with your computer and to call a specific number to fix the issue? Next thing you know you can't access any of your files unless you pay thousands of dollars. This is what we call ransomware.

Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts your files rendering them inaccessible - it's like a "digital kidnapping" of your files. Cyber criminals will claim you won't get your files back until you pay a ransom. Ransomware is often downloaded from malicious emails or websites.

What you can do to protect yourself:

• use caution online
• keep software and browsers up-to-date
• use current Antivirus protection
• make regular backups of your important files

Never pay the ransom!

There is no record of people receiving their files back once they paid and receiving payments only encourages cyber criminals to continue what they do. The best defense against ransomware is using caution and backing up your files, that way if something happens to one copy of your files you can use the backed up copies instead.