What Is a Computer Ransomware and How To Successfully Decrypt It

What is a Computer Ransomware?

Ransomware, which is also known as rogueware or scareware, is a malicious software which infects computers and enables cybercrooks remotely restrain access to your computer system by encoding your files. On the contrary, they demand you pay a ransom for the virus extraction and get rid of that pop-up window. 

Is ransomware a malware some would ask? Yes, it is a type of malware that gains unauthorised access to your computer to damage it except that other types of malware do not request for a paid ransom. Ransomware payment methods are usually done through Bitcoin in order to conceal the real identity of the persons behind that cyber crime.

What Happens If You Pay a Ransom? 

There is no guarantee that paying the crooks would decrypt your files and have your computer back to normal. Then, why should you pay for a ransomware ransom when the removal tools at hand?! Even if there are no anti-ransomware softwares or other tools available yet, you can still have the last option to format your PC (choosing the option to save your current windows in a separate folder instead of deleting) and get your files back.

How Do I Get Infected With A Ransomware Virus?

Users can unknowingly catch a ransomware infection in various ways.

1. Downloading an email attachment from unknown sources
2. Downloading and executing potentially harmful programs and drivers
3. Updating softwares such as Flash player (be sure to only update from the official website)
4. Playing and downloading videos in adult websites
5. Clicking on links in spam email and social media
6.  Downloading and running cracks and patches for paid programs

How to Detect a Computer Ransomware? *

It's evident when your computer has been contaminated with the virus because you will not be able to reach your files or pretty much have full access like before. You will notice a pop-up window which contains a message indicating that your files has been encrypted and asking you, in return, to pay for a certain amount of money in order to recover from ransomware.

Where Does a Ransomware Virus Come From?

 Profoundly computer programming literate people called scammers are behind the creation of a ransomware. Downloading an email attachment from an unknown source may lead to your PC to be infected. It is possible to penetrate your PC not only by your browser when visiting a website loaded with this type of malware but also through your network.

How to Prevent Ransomware Attacks?

Ransomware prevention is not as hard and complicated as how the virus looks itself. Here are few tips to do in order to keep your PC safe from ransomware attacks.

1. Update your Operating System constantly
2. Install a good antivirus program/anti-ransomware software and keep them updated
3. Don't attempt to read spam emails or download any attachments
4. Avoid visiting suspicious websites or browsing wicked content such as x-rated materials.

How To Remove a Ransomware Virus? 

If you are hit by this virus, there is always a way to recover files from a ransomware and the easiest way to wipe out the infection is by downloading ransomware removal tool such as Avast Ransomware removal tools, AVG ransomware removal and decryption tools, Ransomware protection tools McAfee which should thoroughly scan your computer, decrypt and eradicate any potential infections on your PC.

If you are not able to get a removal tool once you got the ransomware virus, you can still get the problem solved manually. 

1. Just load your computer into the safe mode by rebooting and then pressing F8 keys before seeing the Windows logo. 
2. Start the system recovery procedure (Control Panel > Backup and Restore > Recover system settings > open system restore) and select a previous restore date which should roll your system back to the breakpoint (if already created) and hence get rid of the ransomware virus.

If the safe mode off is turned off, then you should use a LiveCD boot disk so as to get into the registry and recover the "userinit" key value by navigating to

"C:\Windows\system32\userinit.exe". once that done, you can proceed to remove the file manually and start your Windows normally. 

Keep your browsing safe folks!