FBI issues warning on Ransomware Computer Scams

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The Federal Bureau of Investigation(FBI) has alerted the whole of businesses operating in America against ransomware scams where a malware is secretly installed by hackers to encrypt data and demand a ransom in exchange to the decryption key. This includes the firms operating in Banking, academic and the third parties connected to the fed.

FBI says that it has learned from reliable sources that some firms chose to pay a ransom ranging from 100s to thousands of dollars despite its warnings not to do so.

“The FBI doesn’t support paying a ransom,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Greg Nelson. He added that the agency discourages from doing so because there is no guarantee that the hackers will return the decryption key after receiving the ransom.

FBI has also urged computer users to always use antivirus software and firewall from reputable companies.

The federal security agency also encourages online users to enable pop-blockers in browsers to stay safe from malware attacks.

Mr. Nelson is encouraging companies to use backups as it helps in avoiding data loss and business embarrassments as soon as a cyber attack targets an entity.

Coming to phishing emails, the FBI urges people to remain skeptical by not clicking on emails or attachments sent by unknown senders or suspicious websites.

And if in case, a ransomware attack targets a computer network, FBI urges people to disconnect that computer from the network in order to avoid additional infections or data losses.

It also asks the users to file a complaint on IC3.gov (Internet Crime Complaint Center) which keeps the law enforcement informed about the attack.

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Naveen Goud is a writer at Cybersecurity Insiders covering topics such as Mergers & Acquisitions, Startups, Cyber Attacks, Cloud Security and Mobile Security

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