Don’t Give In to Ransomware Attackers


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.

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Fake Fraud Investigations

These scams usually start as phone calls warning you of something criminal going on. Of course, the scam caller doesn’t tell you she is the criminal.

The scammers intent is to convince you to move your money to an account of their choosing and there’s usually a complicated story to get to that point.

e.g. “I am a Police officer working in the fraud department and we are tracking a criminal team working with an insider at your bank. This insider has been trying to take money from your account and other people’s and we must catch him before he takes any more. We need your help to catch him out”.

So, that’s the setup phase, then comes the reason to move your money.

“To protect your money, we need to move it to a safe location that the criminals cannot access. Please move your money to the following sort code and account code and we’ll keep it safe for you and do remember not to contact your bank as they may tip off the criminals.”

Once the scammer has your money then it will be moved again to somewhere offshore where it cannot be traced and your money is gone.

Some people who have fallen for this scam or something similar blame the bank for moving their money, but if they are not told there is a problem and you request the move then why shouldn’t they do as asked.

Banks are aware of this scam and usually ask people trying to move their money out of the bank if they are under any duress or need advice.

Do not take instructions from a cold caller on the phone.

Just because someone claims to be from your bank or the Police doesn’t make it true.

Take care.

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

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What are Cookies?

These are not the sort of cookies you buy in shops or make at home, but Internet cookies.

When you access a website, it is likely to store snippets of information on your computer – this is usually to help the website work efficiently e.g. remembering which pages you have already seen and not having to get you to login for each page.  These snippets of information are called ‘cookies’.

There are “session” cookies and “persistent” cookies.

Session cookies  are automatically deleted when you leave the website but persistent cookies stay until a date set when the cookie was created.

Most cookies are perfectly safe, but some can be used to track you without your consent.

What Are Cookies Used For?

Personalization. This usually refers to customized advertising i.e. presenting adverts where either you have selected which subjects for the adverts or your browsing is tracked so they can try to pick adverts you might respond to.

is the main way cookies are used to personalize your sessions. You may view certain items or parts of a site, and cookies use this data to help build targeted ads that you might enjoy.

Tracking. Shopping sites use cookies to track items users previously viewed, allowing the sites to suggest other goods they might like and keep items in shopping carts while they continue shopping.

Tracking cookies track multiple visits to the same site over time. Some online merchants, for example, use cookies to track visits from particular users, including the pages and products viewed. The information they gain allows them to suggest other items that might interest visitors. Gradually, a profile is built based on a user’s browsing history on that site.

Persistent cookies are used to track whether a user is logged in and under what name. They also streamline login information, so users don’t have to remember site passwords.

Cookie Settings

  • Find the cookie section — typically under Settings > Privacy.
  • Click the boxes to allow cookies. Sometimes the option says, “Allow local data.”
  • If you don’t want cookies, you can simply uncheck these boxes.

Removing cookies can help you mitigate your risks of privacy breaches. It can also reset your browser tracking and personalization.

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

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