What is Ransomware Definition

Basic – Cybersecurity

Reading Time – 1 minute, 30 seconds

What is the ransomware definition? It’s a form of malicious software or malware which restricts access to your computer, encrypt your data, and demands a ransom to unlock them. If your computer is under the attack of ransomware you will see a locked screen and be unable to boot up your computer when you try to log in. You will also see a message demanding money to grant access to your computer system.

“Locker” and “Crypto” are the most widely used ransomware to demand ransom from computer users. Locker ransomware locks your basic computer functions and forces you to pay a ransom to regain control. Crypto ransomware encrypts sensitive data such as files/documents and warns to destroy them unless you pay a ransom.

This malware is developed and released by computer hackers. Ransomware can get into your computer when you click on a link you receive from someone you don’t know. The link may be shared with you through an email or a social media platform. Your computer may also get attacked by ransomware when you download fake updates to the software you have installed on your computer. If you are under attack of ransomware, you can either hire a cybersecurity expert to remove the ransomware or wipe all your computer data and start your computer using backed up data.

How to protect from Ransomware?

    You can protect your computer system from ransomware by following these activities.

  • Do not open email attachments from senders you don’t know
  • Do not click on links shared by senders you don’t know
  • Create strong passwords and protect your credentials with a password manager software
  • Keep your software up-to-date and frequently back your data to an external storage
  • Avoid visiting any suspicious websites
  • Use a DaaS provider like V2 Cloud who creates daily snapshots of your data so you can recover very quickly in case of a Ransomware attack.

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