SCAMS BULLETIN Host Jay White is an inactive attorney in San Mateo County, California.

October 23, 2020

RANSOMWARE SCAM  

What Is Ransomware?

Ransomware is defined as vicious malware that locks users out of their devices or blocks access to files until a sum of money or ransom is paid. Ransomware attacks cause downtime, data loss, possible intellectual property theft, and, in certain industries, an attack is considered a data breach.

Ransomware is a particularly devious type of malicious software, or malware. You can inadvertently download it onto your computer or device by clicking on an online ad, email or opening an attachment.

Some online scammers have combined ransomware with extortion, employing malware that generates a fake message purportedly from the FBI accusing victims of watching child pornography or downloading illegal files, and freezes victims’ computers until they pay a “fine.”

Nightmare Scenario

 You’re doing work, answering emails or browsing the web when suddenly your computer or mobile device stops working. A taunting message takes over your screen, informing you that some faceless internet villain has seized control of the machine and all your data. To get it back, the message claims, you will have to fork over a ransom, usually in a cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin.

Business Owners Victims

Small business owners should be especially vigilant. Nearly two-thirds of ransomware attacks reported to cybersecurity firm Beazley in the third quarter of 2019 targeted small firms. But cybercrooks are increasingly going after bigger fish.

Public Service Victims

Attacks against state and local government computer networks have severely affected public services in major cities.

Dos.

Do set your computer operating system, web browser and security software to update automatically so you’re always protected against the latest threats.

Do back up all your important data. You can do so to a portable drive, but consider also signing up for a cloud-based backup service that automatically backs up your files and saves previous versions so you can get them back unencrypted.

Do unplug portable drives from your computer when not in use, to lessen the chances that they, too, will be encrypted in a ransomware attack.

Do use an ad blocker program or browser extension to help protect your device from malware planted in web ads.

Do disconnect an infected computer from your home or office network to prevent ransomware from spreading to other devices.

Don’ts

Don’t click links in emails without first checking them out. Hover your cursor over the link, so you can see if the internet address, or URL, looks suspicious.

Don’t open an email attachment unless you’re expecting a file from someone and you know it’s safe.

Don’t click pop-up ads offering free software products that remove malware from your computer. Some ransomware developers use pop-ups to transfer their programs.

Don’t go to websites that contain pornography, pirated movies or other unsavory stuff. Crooks often plant malware in those places.

Don’t pay a ransom to online crooks if your computer is attacked. They may up the price, then destroy your data or leave it encrypted anyway.

To sign up for Watchdog Alerts tips on avoiding scams, call the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline: 877-908-3360

ATTRIBUTION: AARP