💻 What is Ransomware? | vikascybertech | vikashcyberTechnology
💻 What is Ransomware?
Imagine you are playing a game or watching a video on your computer.
Suddenly, your screen freezes and a message pops up:
“Pay money if you want to get your files back!”
Scary, right? 😨
That’s called Ransomware.
🔐 What does Ransomware do?
When it enters your computer or phone, it locks your files — your photos, videos, games, and documents.
When you try to open them, you can’t.
Instead, you see a message saying you must pay money to unlock your files.
So basically, it holds your files hostage — just like a kidnapper!
💰 What does “Ransomware” mean?
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“Ransom” means money given to get something or someone back.
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“Ware” comes from the word “software.”
So, Ransom + ware = Ransomware
It’s software that asks for money to give your files back.
😈 How does it enter your computer?
Ransomware sneaks into your device in many tricky ways.
Sometimes people invite it by mistake. For example:
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Opening strange emails – Like “You won a lottery!” or “Click here for a gift!”
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Clicking fake links – Links on random websites or ads.
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Downloading free games or apps from unsafe sites.
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Using pirated movies or software – These often come with hidden viruses.
🧠 How does it work?
Once Ransomware gets inside your computer, it:
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Encrypts your files – which means it locks them so you can’t open them.
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Shows a scary message on the screen:
“Pay now or lose your files forever!” -
Asks for money, usually in Bitcoin (a type of digital money), so it’s hard to trace who did it.
🧩 Famous Ransomware Attacks
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WannaCry (2017) – It locked computers all around the world.
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Petya – It attacked Windows systems and deleted data.
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Locky – It spread through fake email attachments.
🛡️ How can we stay safe from Ransomware?
Don’t worry — staying safe is easy if you are careful.
Here are some simple tips:
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Never click strange links or emails.
If you don’t know the sender — don’t open it! -
Keep antivirus software updated.
It can stop many viruses before they harm your computer. -
Back up your files.
Save important photos, videos, or homework in a pen drive or cloud storage. -
Update your software regularly.
Old software can have holes that hackers use to attack. -
Avoid free or pirated downloads.
Free things from unknown sites often hide viruses.
🧍 What to do if Ransomware attacks?
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Never pay the money!
There’s no guarantee you’ll get your files back. -
Disconnect the internet.
It can stop the virus from spreading. -
Tell an adult or expert right away — like your parents, teacher, or IT helper.
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Restore from backup if you have one.
You can reset your computer and bring your files back safely.
💬 In simple words
Ransomware is like a digital thief.
It locks your computer files and says, “Give me money, or you’ll lose them!”
But if you stay smart and careful, this thief can’t touch your computer.
📚 Conclusion
Ransomware is dangerous, but you don’t have to be afraid of it.
Just be careful online, don’t click strange links, and keep your files backed up.
A little smartness keeps your computer safe — always!
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