// CYBER THREAT
Ransomware explained
Ransomware locks up your files and demands payment to release them. Here’s how it works, how to spot it, and how to make sure it never holds you to ransom.
- ● Plain English
- ● How to protect yourself
- ● Real help on call
/01 — WHAT IT IS
Know your enemy
Ransomware is malicious software that encrypts your files so you can’t open them, then demands a ransom — usually in cryptocurrency — to unlock them. It often arrives through a dodgy email attachment, link or compromised download.
Paying rarely works and funds more crime. The only reliable defence is stopping it getting in — and having clean backups you can restore from.
- Files suddenly won’t open
- Strange file extensions appear
- A ransom note on screen
- Programs crashing or locking
- Unusual disk activity
- Being locked out of accounts
/02 — HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF
Stay one step ahead
Verified backups
Keep automatic, off-site backups so you can restore without paying.
Endpoint protection
Malwarebytes Premium blocks ransomware before it runs.
Patch everything
Updated systems close the holes ransomware exploits.
Email filtering
Stop the phishing emails that carry most ransomware.
MFA & least access
Limit how far an infection can spread.
Staff & family awareness
Most attacks start with a click — know what to avoid.
Our partner Malwarebytes Premium blocks threats like this in real time — prefer to protect your own device?
Affiliate link — we may earn a small commission if you buy through it, at no extra cost to you.
/03 — IF YOU’VE BEEN HIT
What to do right now
-
01
Disconnect now
Unplug from the network and internet to stop it spreading.
-
02
Don’t pay — call us
Ring 01202 775566; paying rarely recovers your files.
-
03
We recover & rebuild
We clean up, restore from backup and harden everything against a repeat.
// NEED THIS FIXED RIGHT NOW?
Skip the DIY — call 01202 775566 and we can be looking at your screen within minutes. You watch everything we do, and most problems on this page are fixed in one short remote session. (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm.)
// MORE THREATS EXPLAINED
Know the other scams too
// GOOD QUESTIONS
Frequently asked
Should I pay the ransom?
No — payment rarely guarantees recovery and funds more crime. Good backups mean you don’t have to.
Can you recover ransomware-encrypted files?
Often, yes — from clean backups. Contact us immediately and avoid using the device.
How do I prevent ransomware?
Layered protection: endpoint security, patching, email filtering, MFA and verified, off-site backups.
Worried about ransomware?
We protect Dorset homes and businesses from threats like this every day — with layered security, Malwarebytes Premium and a real person to ask.
01202 775566 · help@365techies.co.uk · MON–FRI 9AM–5PM