Ransomware, a Risk for You, too.
Ransomware headlines focus on interrupted hospital services or downtime at several major brands. But ransomware can just as easily infect your home computer.

When you’re a victim of ransomware, you can’t do anything on your computer. Cyber criminals encrypt your files and demand you pay a ransom to unlock your device. They'll ask for cryptocurrency in return for the encryption key.

You may think the bad guys wouldn’t care about your residential system, but you’d be wrong, especially now. Think of all the people at home connecting remotely to business networks. Plus, kids make a weak link as they don’t fully understand the risk.

Many residential antivirus solutions aren’t up to protecting your computer from ransomware.

How to prevent home ransomware

Ransomware in residential homes may not grab headlines, but it’s still going to be big news at your house. Any computers connected to that network with the ability to save to one another could be infected.

The biggest issue with malware of any kind? Your devices may be infected, and you might not even know it. Get a cybersecurity solution for your home that looks where you can’t. A good antivirus software that supports anti-ransomware uses machine learning. Artificial intelligence (AI) reviews a database of known threats before running new files on your computer. This helps detect and block any malware before it executes.

You’ll also want to have a good backup. If you’re working on a novel in your spare time, keeping the family photos on your desktop, or developing an in-depth family genealogy, for instance, don’t risk losing access to any of these. Instead, make frequent backups and keep them separate from your network. This can help preserve your personal data in the event of a malware attack.

Always be on the lookout

Phishing is the top way ransomware infiltrates computers. So, talk to all home network users about the need for vigilance. Cyber bad guys are doing a much better job these days of mimicking reputable companies. A phishing email will look like it is coming from a trusted website. They will have worked hard to gain your confidence to open the message and click on their link.

Caution everyone, especially kids, against clicking on links or downloading attachments, especially if the email is making an urgent or emotional appeal.

You can also stay safe by taking care of what websites you visit. It’s hard enough to determine if an email is legit, but now you need to be wary of where you go online? Yes, it’s true. One type of ransomware gets you to download and install the software, while another installs it without you knowing when you visit an infected site.

Stay away from sites such as gambling, pornography, and pirated video sites. Also, avoid clicking on any download links on the sites you visit.
Want to remain ransomware-free? Our IT experts can help you take preventative measures. Call us today at 940-282-0290.
Why Wait to Upgrade to Windows 11 at Home?
Upgrade. Always upgrade. It’s a persistent mantra for technology. And, after all, what homeowner doesn’t want to have the latest-and-greatest tech available? Still, you may want to wait to upgrade to Windows 11.

Look at it this way, when software is first delivered, the manufacturer believes it is the best thing it can offer. But, as you well know from all the software update notifications you get on your devices, there are still changes after the software is released. Glitches can be discovered, and security vulnerabilities may be identified. If you’re on Windows 10 right now, you can wait to upgrade to Windows 11. Let some of those bugs get worked out by the early adopters first.

One change that isn’t getting glowing reviews? The Windows 11 taskbar. It isn’t as customizable and is permanently centered. This means you can’t make it taller or move it around the screen. Windows 10’s taskbar is just better. So, maybe wait and see if they tweak the taskbar before making the change.

Are you a home gamer? You might think Windows 11 is going to give you more game-centric features, but although it’s being touted as “the best Windows for gaming,” Windows 10 has all the same features.

So, what’s the appeal of Windows 11?

Why are people making the move to Windows 11? Well, there’s that near-Pavlovian impulse to get the latest available technology. At the same time, the new OS aims to simplify the user experience. Microsoft has added snap controls allowing users to resize and reposition desktop windows, as well as content personalization tools and many widgets to choose from.

Windows 11 also embraces a Zero Trust framework to combat cybersecurity risk. The new OS validates user identity and the platform you’re using to safeguard access to your computer. Encryption and malware protection are also now the default rather than add-ons.

But those changes need more

The enhancements to Windows 11 demand more advanced hardware than those required for Windows 10. You’ll need:

  • a compatible 64-bit processor;
  • a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 chip (to help protect encryption keys, user credentials, and data);
  • 64 GB or more available storage;
  • 4 GB of RAM;
  • a high-definition (720p) display

Unlike Windows 11, Windows 10 runs on everything. So, you won’t need to make any changes to meet hardware requirements.

You may also need to change some of your habits with the move to Windows 11. If you’ve been loyal to Internet Explorer, you’ll need to adapt. The new OS moves away from Explorer. Also, if you’re a fan of Android apps, you’re going to be annoyed. Windows 11 has limited Android capability right now.

No rush to upgrade

Ultimately, there’s no reason to rush to update your Windows. Microsoft promises to support the Windows 10 OS until October 14, 2025.
Not sure about the best software solution for your home, or overwhelmed by the idea of upgrading? Our IT experts are here to help you. We can check your device compatibility for Windows 11 and asses your systems and needs. To learn how...contact us today at 940-282-0290.
Brian W. Norby
 
(Owner of both BWN Computer
AND That Computer Man)


1-940-282-0290