Please protect your computers to continue using SpanishDict!
Please protect your computers to continue using SpanishDict!
I have been asked by a moderator to repost this article here in this Q and A section of the forum and remove it from the reference section...(that is, if it has not already been removed by a moderator!) 
Moderators, please do not delete this post! This post is simply to warn and inform people to protect their computers from a piece of hidden malware!
There is a real and increased danger of a piece of malware called Ransomware which can enter your computer by clicking on and downloading junk e-mails, This softeware is hidden in the attachments and then downloaded through your e-mails to your computeer and which then works in the background to encrypt your files and prevent you accessing them They then demand a large sum of money (£800) to unencrypt it! Please back up your files safely to a separate harddrive but do not keep the hard drive connected while you use your computer!
Here is a copy of the article:
Experts Warn Of 'Huge' Surge In Ransomware That Can Hold Your Computer Hostage You could have to pay up to £800 just to get your files back 11/03/2016 11:53 Thomas Tamblyn Technology editor, Huffington Post UK Security experts have issued a warning about a 'huge' surge in the amount of ransomware attacks that are taking place through junk emails. According to a blog post by security experts Trustwave the growth can be put down to a particular piece of ransomware called 'Locky'. sorbetto According to the BBC, Locky is mostly targeting people in the US, Japan and France. What is ransomware and how much will it cost you? Ransomware is a powerful piece of software which is usually hidden inside attachments in emails.The victim then opens the attachment and the software is then installed onto the computer in the background. Once installed ransomware usually then encrypts either the entire computer or certain parts of it removing access to the victim. It'll then demand a monetary fee to have the information unlocked. The BBC reports that Locky is demanding for 3 Bitcoins (£885) as payment. Trustwave Trustwave's data shows the huge surge in ransomware attacks over the past couple of weeks. So why are ransomware attacks growing? David Gibson, VP of strategy and market development at Varonis has an explanation saying: “Ransomware attacks grow more common because they’re effective and lucrative. They’re effective because it’s relatively easy to trick someone into downloading malware via phishing , and once a user launches a piece of ransomware it often won’t be detected (until it’s too late)."
I hope that reading this article and acting upon the advice given by not opening e-mails and attachments from people you do not know will help you all to keep your computers safe. Please remember to also use antivirus software and keep it up to date in addition to taking common sense precautions!
Please share your experiences.
