Ransomware resource from DG DIGIT

One of the focus topics of the #SaferInternet4EU campaign, launched on Safer Internet Day 2018 by Mariya Gabriel, Commissioner for Digital Economy and Society, is cyber hygiene... that is, taking steps to ensure that your online life is healthy and secure. The European Commission's Directorate of IT Security, part of the Directorate-General for Informatics (DG DIGIT), has produced an informational leaflet on ransomware in a range of official languages.

Date 2018-07-03 Author Directorate-General for Informatics (DG DIGIT)
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Ransomware is a malicious software that takes a computer hostage and, along with it, personal data. Typically it enters a system through a phishing email, system vulnerability, etc. The ransomware encrypts information, and in order for the victim to be able to recover the data, the cyber criminals demand a hefty sum. Even if the user pays the requested amount, this does not automatically mean that data will be recovered. Just have a look at the graph on what really happens in such an attack.
 
Visual showing a ransomware attack

What can users do in this case?

There are simple steps that can protect you from ransomware, like:
  1. Back up your data #BackUp
  2. Avoid clicking on links you receive from unknown sources #Phishing
  3. Keep your systems updated #Patch 
  4. If infected on your own devices, do not pay the ransom requested! #Check www.nomoreransom.org

Cyber security is a shared responsibility 

European Cyber Security Month (ECSM) is the EU's annual awareness campaign that takes place each October across Europe. The aim is to raise awareness of cyber security threats, promote cyber security among citizens and organisations; and provide resources to protect themselves online, through education and sharing of good practices.
 
 
The European Commission's DG DIGIT has produced the above information in a range of official languages - download the resources below:
 
BG | CS | DA | DE | EL | EN | ES | ET | FI | FR | HR | HU | IT | LT | LV | MT | NL | PL | PT | RO | SK | SL | SV
 
This resource was created by the Directorate of IT Security, Directorate-General for Informatics (DG DIGIT) and is published on the Better Internet for Kids (BIK) portal with permission.

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