Do you know what Ransomware is?

Ransomware is a type of malware that can be installed on a computer without knowledge or intention of the user that restricts access to the infected computer system in some way, and demands that the user pay a ransom to the malware operators to remove the restriction. Most common forms of ransomware systematically encrypt files on the system’s hard drive, which become difficult or impossible to decrypt without paying the ransom for the encryption key. Ransomware typically propagates as a Trojan, whose payload is disguised as a seemingly legitimate file; thus, ransomware is an access-denial type of attack that prevents legitimate users from accessing files.

There’s a fairly new malware attack underway and it’s targeting Microsoft Word users. If you use Word to write documents or to read them, you need to know about this. It is often appearing as am email attachment that is a .RTF or .DOC or .DOCX file. The file contains a malicious macro. The macro directs you to a malicious website to infect your computer with ransomware.

If you are sent macros and you’re using new versions of Microsoft Office, you’ll see a Security Warning that tells you “To enable macros, you have to click the Enable Macros button.” Don’t enable macros unless you created them yourself or completely trust the person who did.

How to protect from Ransomware:

1. Have the strongest Internet security system software

2. Have strong Anti-Virus/Malware protection software

3. Do not opening emails and attachments from sources you don’t know

4. Have a good backup strategy. This should include onsite and offsite backups that have retention periods of any critical data that you would want protected.

If your concerned you are not protected from Ransomware please contact us and ask how our Managed Services can help with your security needs.

Do you know what Ransomware is?