Video: Malware and ransomware

  • Transcript

    00:00
    The internet is home to an infinite amount of great content.

    00:04
    There are videos of cats,

    00:06
    pictures of cats,

    00:08
    GIFs of cats,

    (ON SCREEN TEXT: ME: DON’T OPEN THAT EMAIL FROM DRAKE. ALSO ME: I SHOULD OPEN IT)

    (ON SCREEN TEXT: CUTE)

    00:09
    memes with cats in them, you name it —

    (ONSCREEN TEXT: CHANGE WALLPAPER TO ‘CAT_01_CUTE?”. )

    00:12
    lots of great stuff lives on the internet.


    00:15
    Unfortunately, there are also cyber threats out there that can prevent you from enjoying an endless stream of cat-based content.

    (ON SCREEN TEXT: MALWARE)

    00:22
    One of the most common cyber threats is malware:

    (ON SCREEN TEXT: VIRUS)

    (ON SCREEN TEXT: WORM)

    00:25
    malicious software created to cause damage to your data, device or network.

    (ON SCREEN TEXT: SPYWARE)

    (ON SCREEN TEXT: TROJAN HORSE)

    00:30
    There are many types of malware that serve lots of different purposes.
     
    00:35
    Ransomware is one of them.

    (ON SCREEN TEXT: RANSOMWARE)

    00:37
    Ransomware is pretty much what it sounds like — a type of malware that holds your data, devices or network for, well, ransom.

    00:46
    Ransomware locks your screen or encrypts your files and holds them hostage until you send money

    00:51
    (often in an untraceable digital currency like Bitcoin) to the attackers

    00:56
    Unlike some other types of malware, it’s very easy to tell if you have ransomware on your system.

    (ON SCREEN TEXT: HELLO I’M RANSOMWARE)

    (ONSCREEN TEXT: “c:\threat message. We have all your files if you want them back transfer money to this account: url.2398hj2nk”)

    01:02
    That’s because it proudly announces itself — usually with a popup page explaining the terms of the ransom.

    (ONSCREEN TEXT: “THERE HAS BEEN ILLEGAL ACTIVITY RECORDED ON YOUR DEVICE.”)

    01:08
    Sometimes ransomware messages look like they’re from law enforcement, saying your device is locked because you’ve done illegal things online.

    01:16
    This scare tactic is a lie to make people panic and react.

    (ON SCREEN TEXT: HOW DO YOU PROTECT YOURSELF?)

    01:20
    So how do you protect yourself?

    0:1:23
    Luckily, the steps to prevent malware are basic cyber safety measures you should be doing anyway, like

    (ONSCREEN TEXT:  “new email.” “hello user YOUR ACCOUNT IS IN gEOPARDY dabsjdla(*&(@gmail.com”.)

    01:30
    keeping an eye out for phishing messages

    (ONSCREEN TEXT:  “UPDATE”)

    01:32
    making sure your OS and software are updated

    (ONSCREEN TEXT:  “ANTIVIRUS, FILTER, FIREWALL”)

    01:35
    using cyber security tools like antivirus software, spam filters and firewalls and frequently backing up your files offline.

    (ON SCREEN TEXT: BACKING UP)

    01:44
    When it comes to ransomware, this one is extra important.

    (ONSCREEN TEXT: “CLICK HERE FOR OUR NEWEST DEALS” “YOUR ACCOUNT HAS BEEN COMPROMISED” )

    (ON SCREEN TEXT: YOUR ACCOUNT HAS BEEN COMPROMISED!)

    01:49
    Being careful can prevent most malware on your device, but it only takes one click to get compromised.

    01:55
    If your device is infected with ransomware, don’t panic! Here’s what you can do to minimize the damage:

    (ONSCREEN TEXT: “WRONG NOPE STOP STOP DISCONNECT!”)

    02:01
    First, disconnect all devices from your network as soon as possible.

    02:06
    Some ransomware can spread to other connected devices.

    02:09
    Next, report the attack to law enforcement and, if necessary, call an IT expert to help you remove the malware.

    02:17
    You should also do a bit of cyber security cleanup,

    (ONSCREEN TEXT:  “Would you like to change your password?” “Would you like to update?” )

    02:20
    like changing your passwords and updating your devices.

    (ON SCREEN TEXT: DO NOT PAY)
    (ON SCREEN TEXT: SEND E-TRANSFER? no NO)

    02:23
    Most importantly: do whatever you can to avoid paying.

    02:27
    You could end up on a list of people and organizations known to pay ransoms, putting yourself at even more risk for repeat attacks.

    02:36
    If your files are backed up, it will be easier to restore your data without paying the ransom.

    02:42
    Ransomware can seem scary.

    (ONSCREEN TEXT: “TIME TO BACKUP!”

    02:44
    But being prepared for the worst-case scenario can make it a lot more manageable,

    02:48
    so you can quickly get back to doing what you love online.

    (ON SCREEN TEXT: GET CYBERSAFE.CA)

    02:52
    Visit getcybersafe.ca for more information and advice on all things cyber security.

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