Are You a Victim of Ransomware?

Take Proactive Steps to Detect & Remove Ransomware

If you don’t learn how to protect against ransomware, you risk losing valuable data and money. Download SpyHunter’s FREE ransomware remover to scan, detect & remove ransomware, viruses & other malware.

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    Protect yourself from ransomware with a quality anti-malware app.
  • Be Safe

    Be cautious. Practice safe & smart Internet browsing habits.
  • Back Up Data

    Schedule regular backups of important data.
  • Stay Up-to-Date

    Make sure your apps & OS are up-to-date.

What is Ransomware?

When we hear of ransom, we immediately think that a person is being held hostage until certain monetary demands are met. While such instances hold true in the real world, the same can be said about ransomware in the fast-moving world of computers and the Internet.

Ransomware, also known as scareware, is malicious software that restricts access to an infected computer while displaying a notification making demands for the computer user to pay a fee to restore access to the infected system. Recent ransomware, such as CryptoLocker and CryptoWall, are known to encrypt files, which locks up an infected computer making it virtually useless for performing basic functions or surfing the Internet.

Ransomware poses a serious threat since it can affect MS Windows, Mac OS X or Linux. The strength of the encryption can lock important files such as images, videos, audio, PDF files, MS Office files, and other types of files and apps. FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) claims that between April 2014 and June 2015, victims reported losses totaling over $18 million.

Ransomware will ask that a substantial fee is paid for the decryption of the files to restore them back to their original state. However, paying for the ransom does not guarantee that the computer user will regain access to the infected computer.

Most ransomware will make a false claim of online criminal activity or immoral acts detected by authorities. While the claims proved to be false, the threat is very real and could end up costing you a lot in the long run. The extortion price varies, ranging from USD$20 to more than USD$600, but may be much higher.

The technical challenges presented with ransomware are vast. Such malware infections put your system's resources at risk and could result in a total loss of your data if the threat is not addressed or removed.

How Does Ransomware Work?

How Do You Get Infected?


  • Malicious attachments of spammed emails.
  • Visiting compromised websites.
  • Installing fake software updates.
  • Exploiting vulnerabilities in outdated software & unpatched OS.

How Does Your Data Get Hijacked?


How to Protect Yourself?

  • ALWAYS BACKUP YOUR DATA. The most important step you can take to secure your system against ransomware is to regularly perform a system backup to safeguard your valuable data.
  • Avoid spam emails. Do not open suspicious email attachments and links.
  • Update your OS & software regularly. Patch and maintain your operating system, anti-malware, firewall, Java, browsers, and keep other software up-to-date.
  • Use strong passwords. Reduce the risk of identity theft by setting up unique passwords for different accounts.
  • Notice a suspicious process on your computer? Turn off the Internet connection instantly. This way ransomware won't get the chance to start a connection with its C&C server and cannot complete the encryption process.
  • Use anti-malware software and a firewall. Run a real-time anti-malware remediation tool and setup a strong firewall protection.

Run SpyHunter to Check for Ransomware & Other Malware


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