Call Us 850-457-3299 ☰ ˟
Logo
Call Us Today 850-457-3299
  • Home
  • Get A Quote
    • Annuities
    • Automobile
    • Bonds
    • Business & CommercialImage of right arrow
      • Commercial Auto Insurance Quote
      • General Liability Quote Form
      • Business Owners (BOP) Quote Form
      • Builders Risk
      • Liquor Liability Quote Form
      • Workers Compensation Quote
    • Flood
    • HomeownersImage of right arrow
      • Homeowners Insurance Quote
      • Manufactured Home Quote
      • Homeowner Flood Quote Form
      • Homeowners Quote
    • LifeImage of right arrow
      • Life Insurance Quote
      • Term Life Insurance Quote
    • Motorcycle
    • Recreational Vehicle
    • Renters
    • Trucking
    • Watercraft & Boat
    • Windstorm
  • Customer Service
    • Online Account Access
    • AutomobileImage of right arrow
      • Request ID Card for Auto Policy
      • Request Declaration and Coverages Page for Auto Policy
      • Send Declaration and Coverages Information to Lien Holder
      • Add Vehicle to Existing Auto Policy
      • Remove Vehicle from Existing Auto Policy
      • Add Driver to Existing Auto Policy
      • Remove Driver from Existing Auto Policy
    • Business & CommercialImage of right arrow
      • Request ID Card for Commercial Auto Policy
      • Request Declaration and Coverages Page for Commercial Auto Policy
      • Add Vehicle to Existing Commercial Auto Policy
      • Remove Vehicle from Existing Commercial Auto Policy
      • Add Driver to Existing Commercial Auto Policy
      • Remove Driver from Existing Commercial Auto Policy
      • Request General Liability Certificate of Insurance
    • Flood
    • HomeownersImage of right arrow
      • Request Declaration and Coverages for Existing Homeowners Insurance Coverage
      • Request Evidence of Insurance
    • Life
    • MotorcycleImage of right arrow
      • Request ID Card for Motorcycle Policy
      • Request Declaration and Coverages Page for Motorcycle Policy
      • Add Motorcycle to Existing Policy
      • Remove Motorcycle from Existing Policy
      • Add Driver to Existing Motorcycle Policy
      • Remove Driver from Existing Motorcycle Policy
    • Other
    • Recreational VehicleImage of right arrow
      • Request ID Card for Recreational Vehicle Policy
      • Request Declaration and Coverages Page for Recreational Vehicle Policy
      • Add Recreational Vehicle to Existing Policy
      • Remove Recreational Vehicle from Existing Policy
      • Add Driver to Existing Recreational Vehicle Policy
      • Remove Driver from Existing Recreational Vehicle Policy
    • Renters
    • Watercraft & BoatImage of right arrow
      • Request ID Card for Watercraft Policy
      • Request Declaration and Coverages Page for Watercraft Policy
      • Add Watercraft to Existing Policy
      • Remove Watercraft from Existing Policy
      • Change Primary Operator on Existing Watercraft Policy
    • Windstorm
  • Blog
  • Make a Payment
  • Resources
    • Secure File Area
    • Refer a Friend
    • Important Links
    • Calculators
    • Important Files
    • Free Reports
    • Insurance Glossary
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • News Center
  • About Us
    • About Coggins Insurance Agency
    • Location Map
    • Employee Directory
    • Partners
    • Customer Testimonials
    • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
    • Contact Us
Home > Blog > BBB® Tuesday Tips - Pay to Decode Your Own Files? It's Ransomware.
TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2015

BBB® Tuesday Tips - Pay to Decode Your Own Files? It's Ransomware.

July 10, 2015

 

The ransomware scam is back and more vicious than ever, according to a new FBI report. Ransomware is a virus that freezes your computer, holding it ransom until you pay to unlock it. Victims are reporting losing up to $10,000 in a new version of this scam that encrypts your files.

How the Scam Works:

You click on an infected advertisement, link or email attachment. Suddenly, a pop up appears. The screen tells you that all the files on your computer have been encrypted, making them useless unless you have a key to decode them.

This new version of ransomware is appropriately named CryptoWall. Of course, decoding your files doesn't come free. Different versions charge anywhere from $200 to $10,000.

Most versions of this scam demand payment in Bitcoin. The online currency is decentralized and anonymous, making it a new favorite method of payment for scammers.  Like pre-paid debit cards and wire transfers, if you pay with Bitcoin, it's like paying in cash.

To remove the virus without paying the scammers, try running a scan on your computer to identify and delete the malicious files. If you are unable to remove the malware, you may need to wipe your machine's hard drive and reinstall files and software.

Protect Yourself from a Ransomware Scam

Avoid ransomware scams by not downloading one. Here are some suggestions:

•Always use antivirus software and a firewall. Protect your computer (and your cell phone) by using antivirus software and a firewall from a reputable company.
•Update your software regularly. The regular reminders to update your browsers and other software are annoying, but they are for a good reason. These updates protect against the constantly evolving viruses and system vulnerabilities.
•Enable popup blockers. Popups are regularly used by scammers to spread malware. Prevent them from appearing in the first place by adjusting your browser settings.
•Be skeptical. Don't click on emails or attachments you don't recognize, and avoid suspicious websites.
•Always back up the content on your computer. If you back up your files, ransomware scams will have limited impact. If you are targeted, you can simply have your system wiped clean and reload your files.

For More Information

See the full alert from the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.

To find out more about other scams, check out BBB Scam Stopper (bbb.org/scam).

Posted 1:26 PM

Share |


No Comments


Post a Comment
Required
Required (Not Displayed)
Required


All comments are moderated and stripped of HTML.

NOTICE: This blog and website are made available by the publisher for educational and informational purposes only. It is not be used as a substitute for competent insurance, legal, or tax advice from a licensed professional in your state. By using this blog site you understand that there is no broker client relationship between you and the blog and website publisher.
Blog Archive
  • 2020
  • 2019
  • 2016
  • 2015
  • 2014
  • 2013

  • independent insurance agent(5)
  • insurance quotes(4)
  • florida drivers(4)
  • auto insurance(4)
  • pensacola insurance agent(2)
  • liability insurance(1)
  • insurance premium(1)
  • homeowners insurance(1)
  • premium audit(1)
  • rental car insurance(1)
  • homeowner's insurance(1)
  • insurance audit(1)
  • workers compensation(1)
  • liability(1)
  • florida homeowner(1)
  • independent agent(1)
  • insurance quote(1)
  • bbb.org(1)
  • insurance policy(1)
  • replacement cost(1)
  • #laborday(1)
  • commercial insurance(1)
  • insurance score(1)

View Mobile Version
Logo

504 S. Fairfield Drive Suite A-1
Pensacola, FL 32506
Ph: 850-457-3299
Fx: 850-457-2181

Facebook Icon Twitter Icon
© Copyright. All rights reserved | Powered by Insurance Website Builder