Ransomware is an attack that locks your computer and mobile devices or encrypts your electronic files. When this happens, you can’t get to the data unless perhaps by paying a ransom.

Paying the ransom is never recommended, mainly because it does not guarantee you will be able to decrypt your files plus it encourages the criminals and gives them funding for further criminal activities.

There are also a number of issues that can go wrong accidentally. For example, there could be bugs in the malware that makes the encrypted data unrecoverable even with the right key.

A ransomware attack is typically as a spam email attachment. Opening the attached file releases the malware onto the user’s system and it goes about it’s business of encrypting the files and deleting the originals. When complete, it puts up warning messages or screens demanding payment or the files will be lost forever.

The Nomoreransom Website

The website is at https://www.nomoreransom.org

“No More Ransom” is a public-private cooperation to tackle serious action cybercrime. The main aim is to share knowledge and educate users across the world on how to prevent ransomware attacks.

Plus, they believe that by restoring access to their systems where possible, it will empower users to take action and avoid rewarding criminals with a ransom payment.

The website contains four decryption tools for different types of malware. These are freely available and  will work for any user infected with the threats listed on the website.

Nomoreransom is associated with and works with various law enforcement agencies and anti-virus companies including Kaspersky, McAfee, Avast and Bitdefender

If you have any experiences with these scams do let me know, by email.