Don't Fall For Ransomware

Scammers keep developing new tricks to try to snag money from users; the newer forms of tricks involve the use of ransomware.  Follow these steps to help stop those scammers!

Scammers keep developing new tricks to try to snag money from users; the newer forms of tricks involve the use of ransomware. The scammers will infect vulnerable machines through the use of a computer virus, which will lock your computer and files and demand a payment for its release. These forms of viruses will also try to coerce users into paying a false fine by mimicking local police or security services. Follow these steps to help stop those scammers!

• Identify the Scam. No legitimate law enforcement agency will inform users of illicit activities through a pop-up window and demand a payment over the Internet. Regularly back up your computer. This will give you the ability restore your computer without losing all your valuable information.
• Use anti-virus tools or bring your computer to a computer specialist to remove the virus.
• Do not make any payments. There's no guarantee that the cyber criminals will actually unlock your computer.
• Report the complaint to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at www.ic3.gov

For more information, please visit:

• MS-ISAC Monthly Newsletter Tips -- Safeguarding Your Data
• US-CERT Cyber Security Tips -- Safeguarding Your Data
• National Webcasts
• FBI- New Internet Scam: Ransomware