Ransomware: Prevention, Protection and Trend Micro Solutions

LAST UPDATED: NOV 19, 2024

Ransomware is a type of malicious software that locks or encrypts your files, demanding payment to regain access.

How Do I Get Infected by Ransomware?

Ransomware can infect your device when you visit unsafe websites, download compromised files, or open malicious email attachments. It can lock your screen or encrypt your files, requiring payment via digital currencies like Bitcoin to retrieve access.

Steps to Prevent Ransomware Infection

• Verify Email Senders: Always check the legitimacy of emails, especially from banks or known contacts.
• Review Email Content: Look for errors or discrepancies that may indicate phishing attempts.
• Avoid Clicking on Links: Directly type website URLs instead of clicking on links in emails.
• Keep Software Updated: Regular updates provide critical protections against threats.
• Back Up Your Data: Follow the 3-2-1 backup rule: three copies of your data on two different media, with one stored off-site.
• Download from Trusted Sources: Always use reputable websites for downloading files and software.

How Trend Micro Protects You from Ransomware

Trend Micro Security helps prevent ransomware by blocking access to unsafe websites and detecting suspicious files.

Follow these simple steps to protect your important documents from unauthorized changes with Folder Shield:

1. Open Trend Micro program.
2. Click Data tab, and click Configure next to 'Folder Shield'.
3. After reading the introduction, click OK.
4. In the 'Choose Folders to Protect' window, Trend Micro will already have Documents, OneDrive, and Pictures selected for protection. To add more, click Protect More, then select additional important files and folders.
5. Confirm your settings by clicking OK, then finish by clicking Done.

For more details about Folder Shield, see this article: Safeguard Your Files with Trend Micro Folder Shield on Windows.

What to Do If You're Infected with Ransomware

If ransomware has compromised your files, here's how you can try to recover them:

1. Use Trend Micro’s Decrypt Tool: Attempt to unlock encrypted files with our free tool.
2. Restore from Backups: Revert to your backed-up files to regain access without paying the ransom.