Understanding Ransomware and Protecting PC Using AVG Antivirus
Ransomware is a type of malware, which is quite popular among cyber crooks. They simply make use of this type of malware to scare and ransom their targets into making payments. They attack and infect their targets' PCs and in turn ask for money in order to remove the malware from the system.
The most common and effective form of ransomware is Crypto-Locker. It is a form of ransomware, where an attacker develops a program (a Trojan), which when ran in an unsafe environment, starts encrypting the infected PCs data. This Trojan makes use of random symmetric key and fixed public key to encrypt targeted PC's data, and keeps on doing the task, until the victim doesn't pays ransom amount. Only the attacker will have the knowledge of private key which can decrypt the data, so this gives an unfair advantage to the attacker.
Another form of ransomware is a Trojan which seizes control of victim's PC and locks everything up. They lock victim's PC and display a message which is intended to make the victim pay the asked ransom.
Ransomware was initially most popular in Russia, but later it expanded its reach to other parts of the world. According to virus data released by a well known Antivirus Company, in year 2013, there were over 250,000 unique samples of ransomware in first quarter of 2013. The figure of the data is more than double of the data that was collected by same company in first quarter of 2012. Almost a year has passed since their release of the report in 2013, and within this time frame there have been rise in discovery and use of ransomware.
A typical ransomware attack starts with attackers attaching Trojans to emails, files, and setups that looks legitimate and useful. Victim simply downloads the malware and runs it. On executing, the Trojan will then run a payload, like the one that starts encrypting stored data on hard drive, or the one which set Windows shell to itself, or modifies master boot record and/or partition table.
The ransomware then uses scareware to coax money from victim. For example, it will display a notice faking itself as security agencies or companies, which falsely state that system contains illegal content or is used to carry illegal activities. A user falls into their trap and then pays the ransom.
The consequences of ransomware can be very dangerous. There is no guarantee that an attacker will undo changes and free your PC data. So it is always advised to not to give away the asked ransom. Paying ransom to crooks will only encourage them. So, it is best to keep a backup of important data, so that even if your PC gets seized over by attackers, then you can format your PC without worrying about data loss. Also installing powerful antivirus solutions like AVG antivirus and AVG Internet Security, always helps. They are powerful and reliable security solutions that keep you protected from all sorts of ransomware.
However, if you are facing problems in using AVG security solutions, as they are also just programs. Then it is best that you take expert support for AVG products. SupportBuddy is a good company to start looking for AVG help.
To conclude all, as frequency of ransomware attacks is increasing, also severity of ransomware is pretty high, so it becomes necessary to install strong security solutions. AVG's security solutions are good products on this front. Simply install and use them, and if problems pop-up, then dial AVG Tech Support Number.
The most common and effective form of ransomware is Crypto-Locker. It is a form of ransomware, where an attacker develops a program (a Trojan), which when ran in an unsafe environment, starts encrypting the infected PCs data. This Trojan makes use of random symmetric key and fixed public key to encrypt targeted PC's data, and keeps on doing the task, until the victim doesn't pays ransom amount. Only the attacker will have the knowledge of private key which can decrypt the data, so this gives an unfair advantage to the attacker.
Another form of ransomware is a Trojan which seizes control of victim's PC and locks everything up. They lock victim's PC and display a message which is intended to make the victim pay the asked ransom.
Ransomware was initially most popular in Russia, but later it expanded its reach to other parts of the world. According to virus data released by a well known Antivirus Company, in year 2013, there were over 250,000 unique samples of ransomware in first quarter of 2013. The figure of the data is more than double of the data that was collected by same company in first quarter of 2012. Almost a year has passed since their release of the report in 2013, and within this time frame there have been rise in discovery and use of ransomware.
A typical ransomware attack starts with attackers attaching Trojans to emails, files, and setups that looks legitimate and useful. Victim simply downloads the malware and runs it. On executing, the Trojan will then run a payload, like the one that starts encrypting stored data on hard drive, or the one which set Windows shell to itself, or modifies master boot record and/or partition table.
The ransomware then uses scareware to coax money from victim. For example, it will display a notice faking itself as security agencies or companies, which falsely state that system contains illegal content or is used to carry illegal activities. A user falls into their trap and then pays the ransom.
The consequences of ransomware can be very dangerous. There is no guarantee that an attacker will undo changes and free your PC data. So it is always advised to not to give away the asked ransom. Paying ransom to crooks will only encourage them. So, it is best to keep a backup of important data, so that even if your PC gets seized over by attackers, then you can format your PC without worrying about data loss. Also installing powerful antivirus solutions like AVG antivirus and AVG Internet Security, always helps. They are powerful and reliable security solutions that keep you protected from all sorts of ransomware.
However, if you are facing problems in using AVG security solutions, as they are also just programs. Then it is best that you take expert support for AVG products. SupportBuddy is a good company to start looking for AVG help.
To conclude all, as frequency of ransomware attacks is increasing, also severity of ransomware is pretty high, so it becomes necessary to install strong security solutions. AVG's security solutions are good products on this front. Simply install and use them, and if problems pop-up, then dial AVG Tech Support Number.
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