Ransomeware

[xoxoxoBruce]

New warnings from ZDNet.

The threat of ransomware has grown at an unprecedented rate, rising from being a menace to becoming by far the most common form of malware delivered to victims by cyberattackers.

In the space of a year, ransomware appears to have evolved on from the simple but effective strategy of locking down the files of infected targets until they pay a ransom, to incorporating additional malicious elements, such as stealing personal or financial data from the victim's system.

Now cybersecurity researchers warn that new ransomware features could make life even worse for victims. Rather than just encrypting key files, ransomware could soon infect a computer to such an extent that the only two options available to the user would be to pay, or to lose access to the entire system.

Seems like it would only be a problem for business and website people, but it will probably work it's way down to us users.

[BigV]

Backup.

But only backup the stuff you don't want to retype or rephotograph or repurchase, etc. A good practice is three different backups of the material, in two different locations.

[glatt]

Yeah.

But keeping up with the backups is key. And not easy.

[BigV]

Automation, brother.

If you have to DO the backup, it won't get done.

It's easy to setup some level of backup, even if the first iteration the best/perfect one.

I could help, if you like.

[glatt]

Yeah. But. Then I have to bring the hard drive in my desk drawer at work home. And we have three computers to back up.

[xoxoxoBruce]

You'd rather haul that hard drive back and forth than spend $40 for one at home?

[glatt]

I have them in two locations so if my house burns down my data is still safe. If not completely up to date.