Jim WinsettQ. What is ransomware and what advice does BBB have to avoid being a victim?
A. Recently there has been an explosion of a cyber fraud technique known as ransomware. This is a form of malware that hackers use to infect computer systems and lock up all of the files. Like a true criminal, they are willing to return the files for a price.
Ransomware comes courtesy of computer hackers who are in Russia, China and other offshore locations. They infect computers through phishing emails containing Microsoft Word attachments. When the hackers infect a computer, the user is locked out of files until paying a ransom. The ransom usually cost someone around 0.5-1 Bitcoin (a form of digital currency), which equates to about $420. While hackers usually attack larger targets, such as banks, hospitals or police stations, scammers do not hesitate to take advantage of individuals.
Ransomware infects the computer through email attachments. So before you open an email attachment, do a quick check for these warning signs:
If the email is from someone you don’t regularly communicate with or don’t know at all, be wary. Did the CEO of your company contact you out of the blue? While flattering, it doesn’t seem right.