Now what?
Windows Defender didn’t stop it. Now your system is compromised. What removal tool do you use? What accounts have been taken over? Did they get any confidential data? Sadly, this happens all the time. Ransomware is the worst. Most of the time you have to pay to get your data back since it’s all been encrypted. Hackers typically target large businesses for these attacks since the payoff is greater, but individuals and small businesses are not safe from these threats. Once a hacker is paid, they might send you the encryption key and you might be able to regain access to your files, but there are no guarantees. Remember, these are thieves.
In addition to randsomware, malware and viruses are also a significant risk. They can be used to steal your information such as bank login or credit card data. Your system could be taken over and its resources used for any number of malicious activities, such as mining crypto-currency for someone else, or to be used as a drone for a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack against another server or computer. Typically, a system can be cleaned and restored professionally using a few software tools. There is not a one-and-done solution. Any so-called software that claims it can 100% remove all malware is falsely advertised. There are scams for this as well. You get a popup window telling you the system is infected and you need to call tech support for help. This is a SCAM. The only goal is to get your credit card number.
Example of a web page scam that is trying to look like your system’s warning. Don’t click on anything. Close the webpage.
Services
- Remove Virus / Malware
- Update System
- Restore Firewall settings
- Install Anti-Malware software tools
- Recommend other web browsers for security
- Recommend a password manager
- Recommend changing all passwords
- Optimize system for balanced performance
- Clean old, unused applications
- Remove source downloads of malware