Information About Ransomware
Ransomware is a type of malware that holds your files or computer hostage, demanding payment for you to regain access. Like most malware, ransomware starts by infecting your computer, most often when you open an infected attachment or click on a malicious link in a phishing email. Once ransomware infects your computer, it encrypts files on your hard drive – possibly even your entire hard drive – or anything else connected to your computer, like an external hard drive or thumb drive. Then it informs you that the only way you can recover your files or computer is to pay the ransom. Often the bad actors will demand payment in the form of untraceable digital currency, such as Bitcoin. If you pay the ransom, the criminals might give you access to your files, but there are no guarantees. Sometimes they will even take your money and still leave your computer infected without you knowing it or keep asking for more money.
Protect Against the Infection
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Update Your Systems and Software: Cyber criminals often infect computers or devices by taking advantage of unfixed bugs.
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Enable Anti-Virus: Use up-to-date anti-virus software from a trusted vendor.
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Be Vigilant: Cyber criminals often trick people into installing ransomware and other forms of malicious software through phishing email attacks.
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Back Up Your Files Before the Infection: Since it’s impractical to assume that you’ll always be able to prevent an infection, your best defense against ransomware is backups.
Ransomware has become very common because it is so profitable for criminals. Sometimes, the criminals also threaten to release your files publicly if you don’t pay the ransom. As this is becoming more common and dangerous please try to follow the suggested steps above and if in doubt don’t click and ask for help.
If you see a suspicious email or programs or believe you might be a victim of fraud, report it immediately to OTS at: helpdesk@hartford.edu or 860.768.4357 or Public Safety at: pubsafety@hartford.edu or 860.768.7985