During recent months there has been a rise in failed, foiled or successful ransomware attacks in Belgium, including the Antwerp diamond area, warns the Antwerp World Diamond Centre, explaining that ransomware is a type of malware that holds the victim’s computer or mobile devices to ransom, either by restricting access to the computer by locking it or by encrypting the user’s files.
Cyber criminals analyze their victim’s profile, often ask for a nominal payment, figuring you will be more likely to pay to avoid the hassle and heartache of dealing with the virus, explains the AWDC, noting that the ransom might be as little as $10 and up to $100,000.
AWDC recommends a number of steps to protect yourself from ransomware, including making sure that devices and software are fully updated and patched, using reputable antivirus software and a firewall, making regular back-ups, enabling a ‘popup blocker’, and exercising caution when it comes to email links and suspicious websites.
