Acer Aspire XC-860 User Manual - Page 42
Ransomware, Botnets, Common threats cybercriminals use
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42 - Internet and online security Common threats cybercriminals use Now you know a few very common ways cybercriminals try to sneak onto your device or trick you into providing private information to them directly. Here are a few of the types of malware they like to deploy once they've got into a device and what to do if you're ever infected. Ransomware A form of malware that will encrypt personal data files on your computer and attached devices. Encryption converts files into another format, that can only be opened with a specific decryption key. Once the ransomware installs itself, it will display a warning message that the computer is now locked. The user is given a specific amount of money to pay as a "fine" and a timeframe in which to pay. Even if paid, the criminal might choose to not unencrypt the files anyway! What to do if you're infected: Avoid getting infected in the first place by staying protected with internet security software like Norton Security. Also, perform regular backups of all your data either online or to a separate external hard drive that is only attached to your computer while performing the backup. Ransomware has been known to lock access to external hard drives attached to the computer. If you are infected with ransomware, think twice before you pay the ransom. There is no guarantee the cybercriminal will unlock your files and you'll be funding them to prey upon another innocent victim. Botnets A botnet is a string of infected, connected computers coordinated together to perform a task. Botnets gain access to your machine through some piece of malicious coding. Once the software is downloaded, the botnet will now contact its master computer and let it know that everything is ready to go. Now your computer, phone, tablet, or IoT device is entirely under the control of the person who created the botnet. Most people who are infected with botnets aren't even aware that their computer's security has become compromised! What to do if you're infected: If you're infected you probably don't realize it as bots are notoriously quiet. Your Internet Service Provider might send you a notification alerting you that they found a threat on your network and that you need to remove the bot. If you have a bot,