How not to be hacked

That sinking stomach feeling when you see your computer has been hacked and your files (precious memories – first baby pictures, unpublished novels, or simply an entire day’s work) are “lost” unless you pay a ransom. While we layout many preventative activities, there are but a few courses of action after the fact. Here are some options to consider:

• nomoreransom.org, a site backed by security firms and cybersecurity organizations in 22 countries
  • their, Crypto Sheriff page, has invaluable tips on how to unlock files for free
• Pay the man, unfortunately in the end … you may just need to spend $300-$600 per computer to unlock the files
  • prior to paying, be sure others who have paid received the unlock codes. Also as some of these ransomware events happen security professionals can take it over, and then issue a free unlock.

This specifically deals with the WanaCrypt ransomware strain that infected tens of thousands of Windows computers (unpatched and out of date Microsoft systems, in May of 2017) is a type of malicious software that infects a computer and blocks access to data until a ransom is paid, displaying a message demanding payment to unlock it at the risk of losing all files.

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About The Author

jjd

James has been in technology and information security since 1996, and has worked at both the hardcore technical areas (installing the wires and boxes), and has spent the last decade building and leading global information security professionals. James is a published inventor (encryption privacy related patent), a regular speaker, a leader in the information security field, and a passionate father.