The ransomwareis a type of malware (also known as malware ransom) that prevents a user from accessing your computer or your personal files until it is not paid a ransom, most times throughcryptocurrency orcredit card, in order to unlock the system lock and regain access.
According to SafeAtLast, ransomware attacks will occur every 11 seconds, in 2021 companies and individuals will pay an average ransom of $ 233,217, with global costs in excess of $ 20 billion.
How to Enable Windows 10 Ransomware Protection
But when it comes to protecting your PC from a ransomware attack, Windows 10has its own internal protection, which many people are unaware of. All you have to do is activate the protection.
Usually, the malware is presented as alink or attachment in an emailpretending to be a person or company you know. Once you open the link/attachment, a code will be uploaded to your computer and you will be blocked from it.
You can also unknowingly download malware to your computer by visiting unsafe websites, opening suspicious links on Facebook, Twitter, SMS chat, text message and other social platforms.
Most of the time, you can recognize these fake links because they use strange spellings from companies like “Paypal” and different variants of Amazon, Apple andNetflixto name a few.
But here’s how you can protect your PC.
1. Keep your PC up to date
Select the Start button, then select Settings> Update & Security> Windows Update > Change business hours> Choose the start and end times for your business hours> Select Save.
2. Activate “Windows Security”
Go to Settings> Updates & Security> Windows Security > Virus & Threat Protection > Manage Settings. There you will see if the settings for “Cloud Provided Protection” and “Auto Sample Submission” are active. Turn them on if they aren’t.
3. Enable “Controlled folder access”
Type “Ransomware Protection” in your PC’s search bar and go to the “Ransomware Protection” screen, where you will be given the option to activate it and choose which folders you want to protect.
Or you can go to Start> Settings> Update & Security> Windows Security> Virus & Threat Protection> Virus & Threat Protection Settings> Manage Settings> Controlled Folder Access > Manage Controlled Folder Access > Protected Folders> Add a Folder protected and follow the instructions to add folders.
More tips to keep your PC safe
- Get Microsoft 365 advanced protection, with ransomware detection and recovery.
- Back up your files with File History.
- Store your important files on Microsoft OneDrive, which has integrated ransomware detection and recovery.
- Use a safe and modern browser.
- Restart your computer at least once a week to make sure your applications and operating system are up to date.