Let’s say that malicious software hits your machine and your files are inaccessible. So what do you do?
Nothing, if you’ve been backing up your files daily, then all you have to do is restore them back. But this becomes a real issue if you haven’t been backing your files up regularly and a number of people do not.
In particular cases where ransomware is what you need to deal with, the truth is that they can hold your files for ransom. For example, CryptoLocker that first appeared in September last year actually encrypts your files.
If you don’t have a backup, you cannot restore these files, not unless you are able to obtain the cooperation of the criminals that are in control of these files. Of course, that mean.s you will have to pay for them. However, it must be pointed out that this isn’t the only malicious software that is out there.
The first thing that you need to do, if hit by malicious software such as this one, is to log into Safe Mode and make sure that the files in question aren’t just hidden.
(In a number of situations, all you have to do is unhide ‘Hidden files’ and you’ve fixed the damn problem.)
Now if you find your files in either Window 7 or 8, then check if your files are actually working. In the situation where you do not find your files or find that you’ve been hit with CryptoLocker, then you have no option but to pay the people who have your files.
And no matter what you do, don’t use a credit card online either…