Welcome to the world of one of the most dreaded forms of cyberattacks because it can actually wreak havoc to a single system or network of systems. According to TrendMicro, ransomware is a type of malware that prevents or limits users from accessing their system, either by locking the system’s screen or by locking the users’ files until a ransom is paid. More modern ransomware family members, collectively categorised as crypto-ransomware, encrypt certain file types on infected systems and force users to pay the ransom through certain online payment methods to get a decrypt key. I reached out to Remi Afon, the president of the Cybersecurity Experts Association of Nigeria, and he had this to say. To guard against WannaCry ransomware or any form of malware infection, all critical software patches must be updated as soon as patches or new operating system versions are available. This includes mobile and other Internet-connected devices. Also, regular backups of systems must be conducted; systems can be restored in cases of ransomware, and having a current backup of all data speeds up the recovery process. Keep all the software on your computer up-to-date. When your operating system or applications release a new version, install it. And if the software offers the option of automatic updating, take it.
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