Archives - Ransomware

How to prepare for a ransomware attack before your business gets hit

Ransomware rarely begins with a dramatic warning. It may start with a stolen password, a convincing phishing message, an unpatched remote-access tool or a vendor account that quietly gives criminals a foothold. Attackers can spend days or weeks exploring a network, stealing data and weakening backups before they encrypt files. Preparation changes the outcome. The […]

Top 5 cybersecurity myths small businesses need to stop believing in 2026

Small businesses often assume cybercriminals only chase big companies with big bank accounts. That belief can leave everyday tools—email, cloud storage, payment systems and employee laptops—wide open. The truth is simpler: attackers look for easy access, valuable data and a quick payout. In its 2025 breach research, Verizon reported that ransomware appeared in 44% of […]

Create ransomware-resistant backups to protect your files and digital life

Ransomware can turn family photos, tax records, schoolwork, and important documents into unreadable files within minutes. Criminals encrypt the data, demand payment for a decryption key, and may threaten to publish stolen information. Regular backups give you another recovery option. If ransomware damages the files on your computer, you may be able to wipe the […]

Found a USB drive? Don’t plug it in—protect your computer from malware and ransomware

Finding a USB flash drive in a parking lot, office lobby, coffee shop, library, airport, or conference room may spark curiosity. You might want to identify the owner or see what files it contains. However, plugging an unknown USB device into your computer can expose your device—and potentially your entire home or workplace network—to malware, […]

Beware of mysterious email links and attachments: how one wrong click can lead to a ransomware disaster

Cybercriminals love email—and for good reason. One careless click on a mysterious link or attachment can unleash ransomware capable of locking your files, freezing your device, and demanding a hefty payment for decryption. Ransomware is a fast‑growing threat, and attackers are getting smarter about how they lure victims in. According to the FBI’s Internet Crime […]

Why you should never pay a ransom after a cyberattack

Ransomware attacks have become one of the most disruptive and expensive cyberthreats facing individuals, families, and businesses today. In a typical attack, cybercriminals lock your files, encrypt your data, and demand payment in exchange for restoring access. When panic strikes, paying the ransom can feel like the fastest way to get your digital life back—but […]