Ransomware is a type of malicious software, or malware, designed to deny access to a system or data until a ransom is paid. Ransomware generally spreads through phishing emails or by unknowingly visiting an infected website.
Some versions of this threat claim that the payment should be made to avoid the punishment of the governmental authority; others inform that this is the only way to decrypt encrypted data. These sorts of threats may involve stealing user’s sensitive information, terminating legitimate software, showing survey warnings and causing other unwanted activities as well.
Procedure to Remove Ransomeware
The act of removing the ransomware itself isn’t all that complicated. If the attacker used encryption ransomware and you can still get into your computer, then you can put the computer into Safe Mode and run an antivirus scanner to find and delete the malware.
If the ransomware was of the locker variety that shuts you out of your computer entirely, then you have three choices in how to proceed: you can reinstall your operating system; you can run an antivirus program from an external drive or bootable disc; or you can do a System Restore and take Windows back to a time before the ransomware was loaded. Here’s how you can do a system restore on Windows machines:
For Windows 8, 8.1, or 10
• As your PC boots up, hold the Shift key. You will enter the recovery screen (restart if this doesn’t work).
• Choose Troubleshoot.
• Go to Advanced Options.
• Select System Restore.
For Android Devices
For Android devices, the following are general steps to remove the malware by entering Safe Mode and uninstalling suspicious apps. These steps can vary depending on your device.
• Boot Android into Safe Mode.
• Uninstall malicious and/or any suspicious and unknown apps.
For Mac Devices
Although ransomware is less common on Macs, you follow the some simple steps to get into Safe Mode and then delete the malware.
• Restart your Mac in Safe Mode. Press and hold the Shift key right away after you hear the beep tone. After that let the Shift key free when the Apple logo appears.
• Use antivirus software for malware removal.
How to Prevent Ransomeware Attack?
• Make sure all your system software is up to date, including your operating system.
• Ensure download antivirus software and firewall protection program are the latest one.