Ransomware is initiated by someone clicking a link or opening an attachment that then prompts the encryption of a PC and its contents. Ransomware can affect a range of devices from PCs and smartphones to a smart TV. Once the device and its contents are encrypted, users are shown a message from the cyber-criminals who request a payment in order to hand over the encryption key that will unlock the device. The ransom is usually a request for digital currency such as Bitcoin.
Hackers have a number of tactics to get people to pay up, including a deadline to pay or lose the data forever. It’s rare and very unlikely that files are ever decrypted and return to their owner, our advice is to not pay the ransom. Instead businesses are advised to protect their data with an anti-Ransomware solutions such as Intercept X.