Ransomware, or a cryptovirus, is a form of malware that can be installed via an infected download that may look legitimate, or can be installed via a vulnerability in a network — just like other malware and viruses. Ransomware locks or encrypts all data on a device, and then displays a message that threatens to delete or publish the infected data unless a ransom is paid.

From Wikipedia:

“Payment is virtually always the goal, and the victim is coerced into paying for the ransomware to be removed—which may or may not actually occur—either by supplying a program that can decrypt the files, or by sending an unlock code that undoes the payload’s changes.”

The best defense against ransomware is a highly secured network, with frequent offline backups to enable quick recovery. mITchell Solutions will audit your network and systems to check for vulnerabilities and help reduce the risk of infections.

But if your data has already been locked, we can help recover the encryption key or attempt to restore your data. Contact us for a quote for businesses and individuals in Central California or the Bay Area.

Be aware that there is no guarantee that paying the ransom will save any data. That’s why your best defense is to optimize and guard against a ransomware infection in the first place.