Ransomware

Ransomware is a type of malicious software that restricts access to a user's files, and requires a user to pay for the data to be unrestricted. Paying a ransom is not recommended. Due to these restrictions, the data is lost.

Ransomware can also infect an external backup drive that is plugged into the computer.

The safest way to protect yourself from Ransomware is to have a cloud-based backup solution, download and open files where you know the sender and are expecting an attachment, and to be very selective on the software that is installed on your computer. Oftentimes, this malicious software can be bundled with familiar software that is downloaded from malicious websites.

Installing Software

Gustavus-owned Computers

On Gustavus-owned computers, to find software that is verified safe to install, download software from Gustavus Software Center (Windows) or Managed Software Center (MAC). All updates are run through these programs including, but not limited to Adobe Flash Player, Adobe Acrobat, etc.

Personal/Home Computers

For home/personal computers where Managed Software Center or Software Center is not available, please use an advanced Google search to find software that is virus free. (To download iTunes for Windows computers, use the Google Search (iTunes site:apple.com)). This search tells Google - search for iTunes only on http://www.apple.com.