Talk about malware threats today and ransomware surely rules the roost with élan. Between the first quarter of 2015 & April 2016, America has accounted for the highest ransomware hit with 28% infections. Last year, ransomware fluctuations were somewhat between 23,000-35,000 a month and it reached the peak in March 2016 with 56,000 infections. Ransomware can be defined as a malware that is covertly installed on the victim PC that prevents the user from using the computer normally until a good ransom is not paid. The ransom demanded has spiked up to a hefty $679 now and even then there is no guarantee whether or not the attacker will actually allow you to access your files. Your computer might be at threat anytime and hence it's smarter that you learn how to remove ransomware from your PC.
For your convenience, here goes a step-by-step guide on removing a ransomware from your PC.
Step 1 - Install anti-virus in pen drive
You should start with downloading and installing a good bootable antivirus solution on some external storage device, say your pen drive. However, as your own computer is infected now, use another computer to download the anti-virus and then install it in your flash drive.
Step 2 - Boot the victim PC in safe mode
This is a vital step as you are looking to get rid of malicious ransomware from your PC.
- Turn off the computer first. Yes, you can't shut off an infected computer normally – thus, you have to press & hold your power button for a few seconds till your CPU shuts itself.
- Then, you will go for Advance Boot. Press gently on your system's Power Button again and it will turn on the computer. The moment you see the CPU switching on, press F8 tab on keyboard & go on doing it till you see "Advanced Boot Option" on the screen.
- Next, you will boot your PC to Safe Mode. Take to arrow keys, scroll down & select the "Safe Mode with Networking" right from boot options. Now, press "Enter" and it re-start your computer.
Step 3 - Remove the ransomware
- Connect your pen drive (housing the anti-virus software) into the infected computer.
- As your computer detects your flash drive, open up My Computer & run that anti-virus software. The software would start to scan your system for possible ransomware and other viruses hiding in it.
- As the application detects the malware & viruses, start deleting them with the "Delete" tab.
Step 4 - Restart the PC
Click on Start/Orb" tab located at the bottom left side of your computer screen & select "Restart". It will reboot your system once again. If you are able to access the system normally now, it means you have successfully removed the ransomware.
Dealing with a ransomware is not really simple. Hence, it's better you stay updated with the tips on how to protect your PC from ransomware-
- Keep your system secured with a highly reputed antivirus software & firewall. Keep your anti-virus software updated from time to time.
- Data backup is really crucial here and you should have your most important files stores externally in your flash drive or cloud. The experts advise regular backups after every 6 months.
- Do not click on any suspicious link or email as it's through these spammy mails, the hackers install ransomware into your computer.
- Enable the popup blocker in your computer since these popups are the favorite tactic of the baddies to install the ransomware.
- Avoid suspicious websites.
- In case, you receive ransomware note, disconnect your PC from the internet immediately as this would prevent the transmissions of personal data back to the bad guys.
Finally, it's advised that you do not pay ransom if your computer comes under attack. As mentioned earlier, there is no guarantee whether the criminal over there would actually release your computer on the payment. Moreover, paying the ransom would mean obliging to their nasty demands and making them more powerful and hence should be avoided. However, you can inform your local FBI about the attack and while the cops would be doing their investigations, you should follow the steps mentioned above to relieve your PC.