What is Ransomware?

Check out a short video about a very common piece of malware, known as ransomware. This is a file-encrypting type of malware, that restricts users from accessing various types of files, documents, and even pictures.

It then asks victims to pay the equivalent of 300 to 500 dollars in bitcoins, in order to decrypt the files. Because it has proven to be such an effective money-making machine, with more than half of victims usually paying, malware developers even came up with ransomware for Android devices, Linux operating systems, and even Mac OS.

At Bitdefender, we’ve been working hard at developing new technologies that can protect users’ files from being encrypted by ransomware, that’s why been offering a free tool, also known as a Ransomware Vaccine, that can – for some types of ransomware – intercept the encryption process and allow users to regain access to their files. The catch is that you need to install it prior to experiencing a ransomware infection, and not afterwards.

For more information on what ransomware is and how it works on Android, Linux, and Mac OS, check out the video above.