Good question. Here is the ransom plan:
To understand how the attackers can make your data unavailable while still leaving it on your computer, you must understand the power of encryption. Encryption makes your data look like random static. Imagine your documents, pictures, music all turning into TV static (pre-digital days). The only way to reassemble these files is by applying the encryption key. It unscrambles everything.
Because encryption always wins. No matter how much stronger computers get and how many passwords they are able to try per second to break into someone’s encrypted files, the encryption gets exponentially more powerful. Anyone can go online and download TrueCrypt for free. With a sufficiently random and long encryption key (20 characters or more), the US Government will not be able to get into your files for at least the next quadrillion years with current technology.
Right now, you can’t pay enough money for any automatic protection program to keep you completely safe from any malware threat. We have tested and researched antivirus software thoroughly. None of them are perfect but some are much better than others. We have recommendations on our website: https://www.quickfixgeek.com/more/how-to-protect-your-pc/. The only foolproof ways to surf safely are by using operating systems that are not under attack or by using virtualization.
The operating system Ubuntu works well, can be easily installed with their windows installer and will allow you to run a 2nd OS on your computer that is currently immune to malware: http://www.ubuntu.com/download/ubuntu/windows-installer
The program, Sandboxie, is my choice. It will stop you from getting hacked right in your current windows operating system… but it can be a pain in the neck if you don’t know how to use it: http://www.sandboxie.com/
This type of software has been around for a long time, but according to techrepublic.com it has recently “made a resurgence” due the the new, hard-to-trace internet payment methods available on the web today.
As a managed services provider, our primary job is to be proactive. We monitor, backup, update, and protect.
We love taking care of our clients, and can help you take care of yours, too! QuickFix offers a robust reseller program!
76% of all malware attacks happen through Email. Not only is our email safe, but it’ll also be your work-horse.
We keep workstations running quickly and safely so that you and your team can focus on working instead of fixing.
Having a reliable, fast, secure network is like having a safe, fast, and secure ambulance. There should never be another way.
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