Acer Predator G3-571 User Manual - Page 80

Common threats cybercriminals use, Ransomware, Botnets, What to do if you're infected

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80 - 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

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80 - 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