Definition of Ransomware

Often rarely mentioned and generally quite rare, ransomware is one of the most vicious and blatently criminal varients of malicious software currently in the open.

Usually implemented in a specific, targetted fashon, all ransomware generally operates in the same way, locking the victims files in a secure location and demanding a financial reward for the recovery of the data.  Being a relatively simple concept with potentially large rewards, known occurances of ransomware are slowly increasing.

Variations include sending important files to remote computers and demanding a financial reward for their return.  Time restraints are also sometimes imposed to create added pressure and make it harder for data to be recovered.

Generally ransomware victims will first discover that they have been a victim when they receive a message via a text file on their desktop.

As with all malicious software, you can greatly reduce and often complete prevent damage being done - for instance, using automatic daily backup software.  Anti-virus and anti-spyware software may detect some variants, but due to the rare nature of ransomware it can often bypass these types of protection.

The main issue of ransomware is it's embarrasing nature, specifically for commercial users.  If you experience problems with ransomware type software or would like more information please contact me.  I can guarantee complete confidentiality and in most cases will be able to restore data to it's original form.  Bear in mind that time may be an issue.