Take a second to think about all the sensitive information stored on your computer and smartphone. Your computer’s built-in defenses aren’t enough Since these clever criminals are always creating new scams to steal your money, you need a powerful antivirus program protecting your gadgets. Gone are the days when scams are packed with red flags you’re sure to notice.

Spam emails and texts continue to get more convincing, too.

The only difference? The forms you fill out shuttle your info right into the greedy hands of a cybercriminal. Spoofed websites look just like the real version you’re looking for, down to the logos and fonts. Lower-level attacks are getting more difficult to spot, too. Bottom line: Don’t expect hackers to show you mercy. Just like that, they’re two times richer and you’re robbed of both your money and your pride. To finally get your data back, they demand another $5,000. The hackers lift the first layer, only for you to find the second layer beneath. Let’s say they demand $5,000 to decrypt your data. They’ve invented a new technique called double encryption, which is when they encrypt your data twice at once.īy layering two types of ransomware on top of one another, they’re tricking you into paying double the original ransomware amount. Now, criminals have beefed up their techniques. It’s a total violation of your work and your personal life. Here’s more detail: Hackers break into your computer, ransack all your files and programs, and encrypt everything. Hackers are getting smarterĮarlier, we touched upon the way ransomware works. This brings us to the next big reason you should upgrade your antivirus software. To make matters worse, their techniques improve each and every day. There’s no denying the ubiquity of cybercrime in today’s digital world. That means you should never, ever pay if a ransomware attack hits your system. In fact, The State of Ransomware 2021 reports that only 65% of data actually gets restored after the ransom is paid. Unfortunately, that’s just wishful thinking. You might feel optimistic and hope that once you’ve drained your bank account, the hackers will hold up their end of the bargain. If that weren’t scary enough, you could still be cheated even if you do pay. In 2020, the average payment cybercriminals demanded was $178,000, Coveware research found. While your stress is at an all-time high, they demand a ridiculous amount of money. Manipulative hackers prey on your panic and fear once you realize your critical files are inaccessible. Ransomware attacks are incredibly costly - both for your wallet and your mental well-being. You undoubtedly heard about the catastrophic cyberattack on the Colonial Pipeline, which took down 5,500 miles of the nation’s largest gas pipelines.

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