What Is Ransomware and What to Do If You’re Infected

You open your laptop, and instead of your desktop, you see this:

“Your files have been encrypted. Pay $800 in Bitcoin to restore them.”

That’s ransomware — one of the most damaging cyber threats in the world.

Let’s look at what it is, how it spreads, and what to do if it hits you.

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✅ 1. What is ransomware?

Ransomware is malware that encrypts your files and demands payment (a ransom) to unlock them.

Victims usually lose access to:

• Documents, photos, videos

• Project files, archives, backups

• Sometimes even the entire system

Popular variants: WannaCry, Locky, Maze, REvil, Ryuk

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✅ 2. How does ransomware spread?

• Phishing emails with malicious attachments

• Infected software or cracks

• Unpatched vulnerabilities (especially in RDP or SMB)

• Malicious ads or fake update prompts

• Infected USB drives

✅ It only takes one careless click.

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✅ 3. What happens when you’re infected?

• Files get instantly encrypted with complex keys

• You may see a ransom note on your screen

• File extensions may change (.locked, .cry, .encrypted)

• Shadow copies and restore points are often deleted

• Sometimes the system is locked entirely (screen locker)

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✅ 4. What should you do if infected?

DO NOT pay the ransom — you might not get your files back, and it funds cybercrime.

Instead:

1. Disconnect from the internet immediately

2. Use another device to research the ransomware name

3. Try tools from:

   • No More Ransom Project

   • Emsisoft Ransomware Decryption Tools

   • Kaspersky Decryptors

4. Run full scans using tools like Malwarebytes, Bitdefender Rescue, or Microsoft Defender Offline

5. Restore from clean offline backups if available

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✅ 5. How to protect against ransomware

• Back up regularly (offline + cloud)

• Use reputable antivirus with ransomware protection

• Keep OS and apps patched

• Avoid opening attachments from unknown sources

• Disable macros in Office apps

• Use application whitelisting if possible

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Key points to remember

• Ransomware encrypts your files and demands money to unlock them

• Don’t pay — use decryption tools and restore backups

• Prevention is your best defense: patch, scan, and back up

• Backup strategy = your digital insurance policy

• Stay informed — ransomware evolves constantly