Ransomware is a type of malware that holds the information on your computer hostage in exchange for a ransom.  Usually, there is a deadline to pay the ransom, and a means of contacting the people holding your data.  Your data will still be on your hdd or ssd, but the ransomers encrypt it, and they and only they have the key to decrypt it.  The FBI says that you should not pay the ransom, as there is no guarantee that the ransom holders will give you the decryption keys.  The best defenses against a ransomware attack are as follows.

 

• Make sure all security updates and patches are installed.
• Have both network and non network backups, such as flash drives or dvds.
• Download files only from sources you trust, or use www.virustotal.com to scan links and files before opening them.
• Change the name of default user accounts on your system, as well as the passwords.
• Make sure to use a non admin account on your computer.  This way, malware may not always get admin access to your system.

Many people are familiar with the term, “Hard Disk Drive”, but have no idea what it means and why they should care.  Same with, “Solid State Drive”.  Let the experts at Bendy Computers break it down for you.

A HDD:

• Stores files permanently on moving magnetic disks, called platters.
• Usually is cheaper and has more space than a SSD.
• Is slower to load than an SSD.
• Is very vulnerable to drops.

A SSD:

• Stores files permanently on flash memory.
• Has no moving parts, and thus is more durable.
• Is more expensive than a HDD of the same size.
• Loads significantly faster than a HDD.

 

Has this ever happened to you?  You get an email, file, or link you want to open; but aren’t sure if it’s safe?  Fret no more.  Just go to http://www.virustotal.com and enter the link, or upload the file in question.  It will scan it with multiple anti malware engines to give you a heads up if you’re headed for dangerous waters.  Should you get infected anyway, we have you covered at a good price.  One of us even has a degree.