What are some of the most common myths about ransomware?
Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts a victim’s files and demands a ransom to decrypt them. Ransomware attacks have been on the rise in recent years, as they are a lucrative way for cybercriminals to make money. Although ransomware attacks can be devastating, there are a number of common myths about ransomware that circulate online.
One of the most common myths about ransomware is that it only affects Windows users. This is not true, as ransomware can affect any type of device or operating system. In fact, ransomware attacks on Macs have been on the rise in recent years. Another common myth is that ransomware is only spread through email attachments. While email attachments are a common method of spreading ransomware, it can also be spread through malicious websites and apps.
Another common myth about ransomware is that paying the ransom will guarantee that your files will be decrypted. This is not true, as there is no guarantee that the cybercriminals will actually decrypt your files after receiving the ransom. In some cases, victims have paid the ransom but still not had their files decrypted. In addition, paying the ransom can also encourage the cybercriminals to target other victims, as it shows that there is money to be made from ransomware attacks.
Finally, some people believe that antivirus software can protect them from ransomware attacks. While antivirus software can be helpful, it is not a guaranteed protection against ransomware. In many cases, ransomware is spread through malicious websites and apps that can bypass antivirus software. In addition, some ransomware is designed to specifically target and bypass antivirus software. For these reasons, it is important to have a backup of your files in case of a ransomware attack..Original Content
How can you tell if a file has been encrypted by ransomware?
When a file is encrypted by ransomware, it will usually have a new file extension. For example, a .docx file might become a .docx.encrypted file. The contents of the file will also be unreadable. If you try to open an encrypted file, you will usually see a message from the attacker that asks for a ransom to be paid in order to decrypt the file.
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