Highlighted wordsare glossary terms — tap one for a plain-language definition.
RansomwareWhat it means: Malware that locks or encrypts information and demands payment.Example: Your files renamed and a payment note left on the screen.What to do: Keep a backup that is disconnected or version-protected so you can restore instead of pay.Important: Paying often does not return your files — disconnect and report it.What does this mean? locks your files and demands payment to give them back. Most infections start with one click — and most are preventable with a few good habits.
How infections happen
You can pick up ransomware by opening an email attachment, clicking an ad, following a link, or visiting a site laced with MalwareWhat it means: Software designed to damage, spy on, disrupt, or gain unauthorized access to a device.Example: A “free video player” download that quietly installs something else.What to do: Install apps only from official stores and keep automatic updates switched on.Important: Pop-ups warning that your device is infected are usually the scam itself.What does this mean?. Once running, it can encrypt your local drive, attached drives, and anything reachable on the network.
- Don't open attachments you weren't expecting.
- Hover links before clicking — verify the real destination.
- Use an ad blocker to cut down on malicious ads.
Prevention that actually works
Keep systems patched, run anti-malware that updates itself, and back up regularly to backups that are NOT connected to the machine they protect — so ransomware can't reach them.
- Turn on automatic OS and app updates.
- Schedule regular anti-virus / anti-malware scans.
- Keep at least one BackupWhat it means: An additional copy of information that can be restored if the original is lost, damaged, or encrypted.Example: An external drive copy plus a cloud copy of your photos.What to do: Keep one copy disconnected, and test restoring a single file so you know it works.Important: Ransomware encrypts backups that stay permanently connected.What does this mean? fully offline or off-network.
- Test restoring from backup before you ever need to.
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Unfamiliar term? Open the Digital Safety Glossary