The Technologist Newsletter
Vol 8
Iss 2
2017

T echnology Advice for Accounting Professionals from AccSys Solutions

 

 
BenefitsWhat Is Ransomeware? 

Ransomware is a type of malicious software (malware). It stops you from using your computer or mobile device normally, holding your system for ransom.

There are many ransomware variants, targeting different platforms and showing different behavior. Ransomware may target home computers, tablets and smartphones; it may also target servers and networked systems such as those used by businesses, hospitals, or even government agencies. All forms of ransomware prevent you from using your device or files, and all will try to make you do something to regain control of your system.

Some of the things ransomware may do are:
  • Lock you out of your system.
  • Encrypt files and data so they can't be accessed.
  • Prevent some applications from running (for example, your browser or file manager).
Ransomware will typically demand money in order to restore access to your system and decrypt your files. The standard ransomware model is to offer the encryption key used to scramble your files in exchange for payment. In some cases, there may be an additional threat; for instance, the ransomware may falsely claim that illegal material has been found on your computer and demand that you pay a fine to avoid prosecution. Rarely, the malware will demand something other than money, such as information.

It is sometimes possible to restore your system to its original state without paying the ransom. Some ransomware infections do not encrypt any files at all, and you can recover your system simply by removing the infection. Older variants may use broken encryption, allowing you to decrypt any scrambled files without needing to pay for the encryption key.

In many instances, however, the encryption is real and unbreakable. Even if the ransom demands are met, there is no guarantee that your system will be restored. You may be able to get rid of the ransomware itself, but your files will still be lost.

The only way to ensure that your data isn't destroyed by ransomware is to avoid becoming a victim in the first place. Robust and effective security will prevent the majority of infections, while regular backups and a solid recovery plan will avert data loss and reduce downtime.
 
Talk to your IT professional today to make sure your system has all the necessary safeguards against ransomeware in place. 

Need an audit of your accounting data backup and recovery systems? E
mail  douglas@accsyssolutions.com, or call 1.888.534.4344 to get started.


tips The Techno Tips

More Handy Google Search Tips

Sometimes simple tips make all the difference. How many Google searches do you do in a week? Try these tips next time to increase your search efficiency.

1. Use the tabs
On the top of every search are a number of tabs. Usually you'll see Web, Image, News, and More. Using these tabs, you can help define what kind of search you need to do. If you need images, use the Image tab. If you are looking for a recent news article, use the News tab. These tabs can cut search times dramatically.

2. Use a colon to search specific sites
There may be an instance where you need to Google search for articles or content on a certain website. The syntax is very simple and we'll show you below.
  • Free Adagio Webinars site:softrak.com
This will search for all content about free Adagio webinars, but only on softrak .com. All other search results will be removed. If you need to find specific content on a particular site, this is the shortcut you can use.

3. Google search has shortcuts
A number of commands can be entered to give you instantaneous results. Like the math example above, Google can immediately give you the information you need that is displayed right at the top of the search results. This can save time and effort so you don't have to click a bunch of bothersome links. Here are a few examples of some commands you can enter into Google.
  • What is the definition of *word* or Define: *word* - This will display the definition of a word.
  • Time *place* - This will display the time in whatever place you type in.
  • You can check any stock by typing its ticker name into Google. If you search for GOOG, it will check the stock prices for Google.
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