Ransomware can cause excessive damage to your computer if you are not careful. Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts all of your files to a particular extension, and then demands a fee before you can get the decryption key.
However, most of the hackers who use ransomware do not provide the key even if you pay them, only demanding more money.
As a result of that, the only foreseeable solution is to format your computer and reinstall the operating system again.
However, instead of having to think about ransomware removal, you need to learn a thing or two about how to prevent it from infecting your computer in the first place.
Here are four tips for preventing and removing ransomware from your computer.
Avoid Malicious Websites
Most modern browsers now come with advanced tools that are able to identify malicious websites, and provide you with fair warnings.
If you still continue to visit these websites, you are simply exposing your computer to harmful programs.
If a website initiates a background download that ends up infecting your computer, it will be on you.
However, the best way to prevent this from happening is to avoid websites that have been flagged for hosting malicious content.
Use a Powerful Antivirus
Another important thing that you need to do is make use of a powerful antivirus program.
The free antivirus programs that you are going to find online simply aren’t designed to detect and root out ransomware.
However, if you opt for a paid version of a reliable program that has been renowned to protect against ransomware, you will at least add a layer of protection to your computer.
If the antivirus program detects any kind of anomaly, it will automatically quarantine the malicious program and ask you to remove it.
Ransomware removal isn’t easy, but there are decryption keys that you can use through your antivirus.
Avoid Giving Personal Information with Emails
A common entry point for ransomware attackers is to target people through their email.
You don’t really think twice before downloading an attachment, and if the built-in antivirus program isn’t all that strong, it won’t take long before the ransomware enters your system.
To prevent this from happening, you need to avoid giving out personal information with every email you answer.
If your email isn’t protected, it won’t take long before your inbox is flooded with a barrage of spam mail, and if you slip, you will end up downloading the ransomware into your computer.
Create Backups
The best way to prevent your data from being held “hostage” is to have multiple backups at all points in time.
You should ideally back up your data at least once a week so that nothing gets lost.
Nowadays, it’s easy to store information in the cloud, so in case your computer does get infected, you will be able to recover all of your lost data.
These are just some simple tips for removing and preventing ransomware.