{"id":4096,"date":"2014-10-03T10:00:21","date_gmt":"2014-10-03T14:00:21","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/me-en.kaspersky.com\/blog\/?p=4096"},"modified":"2017-09-24T18:37:53","modified_gmt":"2017-09-24T14:37:53","slug":"tip-of-the-week-cryptoware","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/me-en.kaspersky.com\/blog\/tip-of-the-week-cryptoware\/4096\/","title":{"rendered":"Tip of the week: How to protect yourself from cryptoware"},"content":{"rendered":"

We have written a lot about Cryptoware in the past. This is one of the fastest growing types of malware that targets end-users. These viruses are not created for hunting the \u201cBig Guys\u201d in governments and corporations, but for mass blackmailing of ordinary people. So how does it work in real life?<\/p>\n

\"50<\/a><\/p>\n

Just like this: \u201cDear Chairman, dear Vice Chairman, dear members of the board, let me present to you the annual report which we have been preparing throughout the past two months\u2026 Oops\u2026 Just a moment, we are having some technical issues\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\"virus_en<\/a><\/p>\n

It seems as though the presentation has to be postponed because your computer has been attacked by a cryptovirus \u2014 a malicious program that blocks your access to some files on your computer and demands a ransom for their decryption. What a shame!<\/p>\n

Kaspersky Lab engineers recommend that you protect valuable files before your computer gets infected. Installing Kaspersky Internet Security and adjusting the settings will help protect you from the latest threats.<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Using the Application Control<\/strong> component, create a Protected file types category<\/a>.<\/strong><\/li>\n
  2. Configure rules on the access to the Protected file types<\/strong> category for High Restricted and Low Restricted<\/a> applications.<\/li>\n
  3. Enable System Watcher<\/strong> in the application\u2019s settings:<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    \"kis2015_en<\/a><\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Configure the Firewall: block Internet access for Low Restricted, High Restricted, and Untrusted applications<\/a>. Using this method, you can prevent cryptoware programs from downloading the encryption key from the Internet. Without an encryption key, they will be unable to block access to your files.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      What do you do if your files are encrypted but Kaspersky Internet Security is not installed? Use our free utilities and regain access to your files:<\/p>\n