The solution seems pretty simple right? Don't pay! Well, if you choose not to pay the cyber-crime becomes even more serious. The Sheriff's Office continues, "if the victim stops allowing the money transfers, the scammers will lock the computer or otherwise disable it, so that it has to be professionally repaired."
Unfortunately, antivirus simply can't prevent the sophisticated attacks that users face now. Cyber-attacks now range from intricate attacks that exploit holes in software you use, to basic attacks that are a result of human error. With this specific attack, user error is essentially granting them access into your files which they can then hold for ransom and demand payments.
Cyber criminals now employ a variety of different tactics to access and make money off your precious data. These tactics have become sophisticated enough now that oftentimes you could be facing a cyber-breach and not even know it (See cryptojacking blog post).
[RELATED: 3 Major Types of Cyber Attacks]
There is really only one way to ensure your data is secure. Layered security is the process of securing every possible entry point with cyber-security solutions. In this specific example there could be several different types of cyber-attacks going on, including:
1. The criminal could be using an exploit (piece of software that capitalizes on vulnerabilities) to access your data
2. The criminal could be encrypting your files so you can no longer access them until you pay them their demanded ransom
3. The criminal could be using your device as an entry point into your network where they may be able to access any number of sensitive and unprotected documents.
Gone are the days where you simply patch holes in your security after the fact. Synchronized Security is a forward thinking approach to securing your whole technology infrastructure. This includes endpoints, firewalls, servers, wireless, email, mobile, and more. The truth is that no matter how much training someone receives, we will still click and act on suspicious content. The best way to secure yourselves against this is to protect every entry point with solutions that can communicate with each other to stop the attack in its tracks.
While we specialize in cyber-security protection for businesses, home users should also make sure they are secured. The best home security software we recommend is Sophos Home. The good news is that it's FREE! Sophos Home is an business-grade cyber-security solution that is designed for the home user. To download your free version of Sophos Home, click the button below:
View the Sheriff Office's full statement here: