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Ransomware is a piece of malware that typically locks victim’s device using encryption and demands a fee to decrypt the important data.
The No More Ransom project has increased its abilities with new decryption tools added to its now global campaign to combat Ransomware.
No More Ransom is an anti-ransomware cross-industry initiative to help ransomware victims recover their data without having to pay ransom to cyber criminals. Started as a joint initiative by Europol, Intel, and Kaspersky Lab, it is now one of the most trusted websites designed to help overcome ransomware infections.
Since it is much easier to avoid the threat than to fight against it once the system is affected, the project also aims to educate users about how ransomware works and what countermeasures can be taken to effectively prevent infection. The more parties supporting this project the better the results can be. This initiative is open to other public and private parties.
The No More Ransom website not just educates computer users to protect themselves from ransomware, but also provides a collection of free decryption tools.
Since December 2016, more than 10,000 victims from all over the world have been able to decrypt their locked up devices using ransomware decryption tools available free of charge on this platform. No More Ransom initiative has been joined by thirty new organizations, including Avast, CERT Polska and Eleven Paths (the Telefonica Cyber Security Unit), which shows that the threat is a worldwide issue that needs to be fought together. The initiative has also welcomed new law enforcement organizations from Interpol, Australia, Belgium, Israel, South Korea, Russia, and Ukraine.
Since December 2016, 15 new ransomware decryption tools have been added to the existing 37 tools in the online portal by partner organizations. This number is expected to grow to over 75 by mid-summer 2017.
The new tools added this month are:
- AVAST: Alcatraz Decryptor, Bart Decryptor, Crypt888 Decryptor, HiddenTear Decryptor, Noobcrypt Decryptor and Cryptomix Decryptor
- Bitdefender: Bart Decryptor CERT Polska: Cryptomix/Cryptoshield decryptor
- CheckPoint: Merry X-Mas Decryptor and BarRax Decryptor
- Eleven Paths: Telefonica Cyber Security Unit: Popcorn Decryptor.
- Emsisoft: Crypton Decryptor and Damage Decryptor.
- Kaspersky Lab: Updates on Rakhni and Rannoh Decryptors.
The best advice to keep yourself safe from this emerging threat, is to backup all your important data regularly. And don’t pay criminals the ransom, as it motivates them to keep on infecting a large number of people.
Additionally, you are always advised to keep your software up-to-date, use a reputed antivirus solution, and be extremely cautious while opening any email or message attachments.
Be Safe – Backup Your Data Regularly!
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