Oct. 9, 2017 - This week's topic for National Cyber Security Awareness Month is Ransomware. Ransomware is an effective type of malicious software that locks down a computer and takes select data “hostage.” The victim is told they won’t be able to access their files or computer until paying a ransom to the attacker. Cyber criminals usually send ransomware through phishing emails or infected websites.
Here are 5 tips to protect yourself from ransomware at work and at home:
- Exercise caution when opening email attachments. If you don't know the sender, don't trust the attachment because it could contain and activate ransomware or other malware.
- Check before clicking on hyperlinks. Sometimes malicious links to criminal websites are disguised to look like legitimate links. If you see a suspicious link in an email or on a web page, hover over it to see the full URL.
- Back-up your data offline. Keep current back-ups of all your essential data offline so you'll have extra copies in case a cybercriminal tries to steal your data.
- Update your devices. Ransomware usually takes advantage of outdated software or systems. Defend your data by keeping your computer and applications updated.
- Install security software, such as anti-virus, firewalls and spyware removal; this can help detect threats to your computer.
For more information or questions about Information Security, contact Neal Fisch at neal.fisch@csuci.edu.