It’s a nightmare situation, no doubt about it: a virus has taken over your computer and locked up your most valuable files. A ransom note filling your screen says you have a certain amount of time to pay the hacker, or the amount doubles. After it doubles, you again have a certain amount of time to pay before the criminal behind the ransomware attack destroys your files forever.

This is just one way a ransomware attack plays out. Several variations of this increasingly prevalent malware exist, including a virus that locks your entire computer, giving you only a screen for entering payment information. Then there’s the version that copies personal info and blackmails you to keep it from going public. There’s even a strain that just aims to scare you with empty threats and doesn’t do anything to your computer at all.

Ransomware is taking over. It accounted for 60% of all malware in the first 3 months of 2017, and there are more than 4 times as many variants in 2017 than in 2016. It’s dominated the news in the last month, from the worst-ever attack, WannaCry, to this week’s “Petya-based” cyberattack on the Ukraine, which took down major institutions like the postal service, the central bank, and large commercial enterprises. In less than half a day, the virus spread to India and Spain, before being contained and neutralized.

So what should you do if you are a ransomware victim. Three words: Do. Not. Pay.

You may be tempted to pay. Here’s why not to:

1. There is no guarantee your files will be restored. Remember, the people making promises to you are criminals. Don’t trust them! 1 in 5 people who pay never get their files. Don’t be that 1.
2. Paying fans the flames of cybercrime. If cybercriminals get paid, they’re that much more likely to continue extorting innocent people. If we make the business unprofitable, there’s no reason for them to do it.
3. FREE help is likely already available. You may be able to restore your files yourself. Free ransomware decryption tools will guide you through the process, particularly if your files have been locked down by a known virus.

Protect yourself by preventing attacks

While ransomware attacks are increasing, so is ransomware protection and malware removal. After all, the good guys work harder than the bad ones. If you have antivirus software (which should have anti-ransomware tools, as does our new Avast Ransomware Shield, part of our updated and expanded Internet Security), make sure it’s updated. Do the same for your operating system (OS) and all software, programs, and apps. Actively securing your devices and information has never been more important.

In addition to making sure you install the best internet security you can and keeping your system updated to prevent attacks, you should also make regular system backups. Backups make you immune to attacks. These cybercriminals are betting that you don’t back up your files. Having duplicate copies of your files is the easiest way to foil their attack. We recommend you keep two sets of backups  – one cloud-based, and one on a hard drive that can be disconnected. If you have uninfected copies of all your files and data, hackers’ demands are meaningless.

For the cloud-based backup, you can use any number of services, including Dropbox, Google Drive, Microsoft’s OneDrive, and others. High-profile servers like these keep security measures updated and stay on top of prevalent threats.

For the backup on a hard drive you can disconnect, use any sort of external drive or even another laptop. Keeping it offline will ensure no corruptive force can infiltrate it.

So resist the urge to pay, but more important, take these simple, easily done precautions today and you won’t fall victim to this growing threat.

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