[GUIDE] Beginners Protect Yourself from Ransomware!!!

[DrDoctor1234]

If you're really worried (and have the resources), you could have one computer/device for your at home wifi, banking, work and email (plus a few other trusted sites) ONLY, and another device that you use for browsing random websites, take with you and use public wifi, go on holidays with etc (but that you don't access your email with).

So you have one more safe and protected device for accessing work/email/banking and so on, and another device that you are a bit more open with and can visit other websites as this computer/device has zero or limited info of value on it.

This won't completely reduce the risk (particularly if you're clicking on links you shouldn't in your email), but so many stories seem to relate to people hooking up to public wifi that actually taps into your system and takes your personal information, installs a keylogger for your passwords etc. Or visiting a website that installs malware because you clicked a link you shouldn't.

Also maybe have a think about trying out Brave browser - you'll be supporting a crypto project, which may also reduce your risk of (accidentally) clicking ads you shouldn't since they'll be removed from the webpage.

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[roosbit]

You mentioned Malwarebytes in the OP being a good security software and a good anti-malware which i have personally used for a long time believing it had the said qualities  but unfortunately about a month ago or so my PC was infected by some malware called Gandcrab which literally encrypted my files and made my pc unusable unless i paid the required ransome of ~$1000.... of course i did not pay the ransome because someone from some forum said a fix would come after a few months, which came as expected but i had no time to wait...went with a fresh copy of windows to get back a working PC. 

But i would like to know if its possible that some of these companies in this data security business could be behind some of these notorious malware's because i found it odd that only one company successfully decrypted infected PCs.

[wwzsocki]

... i would like to know if its possible that some of these companies in this data security business could be behind some of these notorious malware's because i found it odd that only one company successfully decrypted infected PCs.

Of course, is possible that some companies in the data security business are behind this notorious malware but I don't think Malwarebytes is one of them.

I have here an article which shows the pros and cons of the new Malwarebytes software, maybe you should read it. Here link

A few years ago IOBIT was blocked by Malwarebytes because of malware and adware in their products. This is a very big company and many people run their programs.
I have heard (also some time ago) that this company is managed by hackers. I haven't heart lately anything new from IOBIT but to be safe I never downloaded their software.
So yes big companies can be dangerous and we have to be alarmed and check everything before installing.

I think if you hold on to my list and use good habits when browsing the net and especially downloading software or open emails attachments.
In the last 7 years, my devices where not infected and I am literally non stop online with my phone, laptop, TV, radio, desktop, work station, tablet, and even freezer in kitchen is connected to the web.

[cryptovigi]

While talking about computer security, we should also mention in a few words about network security. Currently, probably 90% of users use Wi-Fi - so it's worth to remind that you shlould never to leave your network unsecured!!!
While setting the WIFI password, try to make it extremely strong - in the case of a network access, using a difficult and long password is not a problem at all because you enter it only once (in one device) not every time you log in - so it's worth taking care of security.
You should also change the router administrator password, because the pair "admin" "admin" (or "admin" "12345") probably appears in 90% of routers.

Remember that if someone breaks into our network, he can also hack into our computers, files, spread virus, monitor traffic in our network, sniff our logins and passwords to websites and send spam or even use our network (IP address) for other illegal activities (like for example sharing/sending child pornography etc.)

[wwzsocki]

This is a really detailed list and there are few points I wasn't aware of but I am missing the simplest one which is: encrypt your files. Windows has the possibility to encrypt valuable data and you can do it in a few clicks. I think maybe this is something you want to add to this list because I am using it for a long time and saved me many times from my data to be stolen.

Thank you @Crypto Mania for your suggestion. Of course, I will add it to my list and merit you with my next free smerit. Indeed this is the first step to protect your files on computer and I am actually using encryption for my valuable files like docs. I just don't know how I forget this one.

[DdmrDdmr]

<…>

Actually, that didn’t seem all that difficult to do, at least a year or two back. While having a go at hacking my own router (to tests vulnerabilities), I also acted as an “ethical hacker” on some neighbouring WIFIs, managing to access a few of their routers that were still using the default universal username and password. Obviously no harm was done, but it gaveme an idea of how easy it was back then.

Lately, fibre cable companies seem to have upped security, and router default passwords are now non-universal, which is how it should be, since a vast amount of the population has now clue about router configuration.

Ransomware is less likely to come directly from your neighbours (vs general internet), but you never know what they could do if they manage to gain access to your personal network.

[wwzsocki]

...Lately, fibre cable companies seem to have upped security, and router default passwords are now non-universal, which is how it should be, since a vast amount of the population has now clue about router configuration...

Despite the efforts of companies as you say there are still people with no clue about routers and configuration additionally a lot of them is still using this same old router with a universal password and will be for another few years until something brakes.

[Ipwich]

Thank you for sharing, it's a helpful guide.
I heard this before and I'm just lucky I was not a victim of this yet. (hopefully not)

I think the only thing I made which is correct is I always back up my files, and in case my computer will be compromise, I think I can let go of this.
Additionally, I avoid downloading files in the internet using my computer which I store all my necessary data, like private key, and others.

[wwzsocki]

Thank you for sharing, it's a helpful guide...

I am happy you like it.

Like you said, to be safe online you have to learn a few correct habits when using a computer and especially when browsing.

Majority of the time problems happens because of bad online behavior, like downloading files from unknown sources and installing malware from an email attachment.

Additionally, we have to teach our family members, how to use a computer correctly, when there are more people at home, especially children.

Windows has some parental controls, but this is not enough and guidance is needed to learn our children, how to stay safe online.

[wwzsocki]

If you're really worried (and have the resources), you could have one computer/device for your at home wifi, banking, work and email (plus a few other trusted sites) ONLY, and another device that you use for browsing random websites, take with you and use public wifi, go on holidays with etc (but that you don't access your email with)...

Personally, I am using one of my laptops exactly as you described only at home secured network and only for important things, no browsing, downloading or anything. Still, during banking session, we can be infected so you never know but in the last few years I wasn't hacked even once so maybe it works. I hope  Wink.

Added to the list: If possible try to use one computer only for banking and other important things (no email, no browsing, no downloading programs or open attachments on this machine) for all online activities use a different computer, with no important data.

...you shlould never to leave your network unsecured!!!...While setting the WIFI password, try to make it extremely strong ...

Thanks again for this suggestion @Cryptovigi already added to the list as "Never leave your network unsecured and try to make the WIFI password extremely strong."

If anybody knows any other way how to secure the computer or stay safe online, please share.