Protect Yourself from Ransomware

© 2016 Princeton Technology Advisors, LLC

What is a Computer Virus? Malware – Software used to: • Gather sensitive information • Gain access to private computer systems • Display unwanted advertising  Disrupt computer operations When executed, it can: • Have a harmful impact • Affect data or other programs • Replicate itself & spread to other computers © 2016 Princeton Technology Advisors, LLC

How Any Malware Spreads Arrives via Email: • Hacks your email lists and sends itself as a link or as an attached executable file • Attaches to files you send to others

Unfamiliar websites may download Malware Sharing (infected) files via storage devices

Hackers infiltrate a computer system. © 2016 Princeton Technology Advisors, LLC

What is Ransomware? Malware software – Computer Virus

It encrypts the victim's data: • Legitimate user cannot use or access data • Access-denial type of attack Displays a message from attacker: • Demands payment for the decryption key To decrypt the data, you must pay the ransom It “phones home” to get the encryption key. © 2016 Princeton Technology Advisors, LLC

Ransomware Horror Stories May, 2016: University of Calgary: • Encrypted data files and email • Paid $20,000 in Bitcoin for decryption key February 2016: Hollywood Presbyterian Med. Ctr.: • Disrupted communications for 1 week • Paid $17,000 in Bitcoin for decryption key February 2016: Horry County, SC School District: • Email & 60% of school’s computers frozen • Paid $10,000 in Bitcoin for decryption key. © 2016 Princeton Technology Advisors, LLC

Ways to Prevent Ransomware Install Anti-Virus software – Keep it updated

Filter .EXE attachments in your email Automatic software & O/S updates Back up your data - Regularly Use System Restore: Restore to “Last Known Good”  The Best Cure for Ransomware is Prevention! © 2016 Princeton Technology Advisors, LLC

How Else May I Scare You?

© 2016 Princeton Technology Advisors, LLC

My Contact Information David Schuchman Phone: 609.454.6010 Website: http://princetontechadvisors.com/ Email: [email protected]

© 2016 Princeton Technology Advisors, LLC