Tips to Avoid Ransomware That Can Come with Adobe Flash Player Download
Lately, there have been a lot of reports of people being compromised and targeted by ransomware, which is a malicious file-encrypting software that you can get from downloading and installing certain applications. One of the apps that have been recently reported to carry this risk is the Adobe Flash Player. Nevertheless, there are effective ways to avoid becoming a victim of this malware, such as the following:
- Keep your Adobe products updated.
Ransomware attacks that leverage outdated versions of Adobe products, such as Flash, have prompted the company to release emergency updates for the prominent operating systems, including Windows, Mac, Linux and Chrome. As for the Flash Player, it was reported to be the most recent app to have been targeted, which entails that you have to download and install the latest Adobe Flash update immediately to prevent infection from occurring.
- Keep your malware detection software updated.
With ransomware constantly evolving and changing signatures, keeping your detection systems updated is critical. If you are using Mac OS, then make sure to automatically update XProtect, while updating your endpoint protection software, antivirus and so on is what you need to do for Windows.
- Set your system to receive alerts when ransomware file extensions, which are already known, are detected.
While this does not actually stop your files from being encrypted and does not stop the spread of the infection, it will at least get alerts when ransomware starts to spread, allowing you to quickly take steps to address the issue.
- Try using a ransomware password generator.
Though chances of being able to unlock encrypted files are slim, it is certainly worth the try. Through research, you will be able to find a tool that can create some passwords that you need to unlock encrypted files. In using this, you have to remove your startup drive and connect it to another PC that is not infected to grab some data to plug into this app and create your password.
- Do not forget to back up your files.
By already having updated copies of your files, there will be no reason to pay the ransom to be able to decrypt your files. You can utilize dependable backup services, such as Google Drive, Dropbox and Box.
All in all, you have to make sure the software you are using, especially the Adobe Flash Player, are updated and take advantage of computer security solutions to fight against ransomware.
Source | NeuroGadget
