It was just one click, perhaps even from a reputable website, one that you’ve visited before. And then, suddenly your heart sinks as you read the pop-up window.
“WARNING: Your Hard drive will be DELETED if you close this page. You have Koobfaace virus infection! Please call Apple Support Now! Call Toll-Free 888-xxx-xxxx to stop this process.”
Suddenly you can’t close the window or do anything else on your computer. It’s completely frozen.
- First, don’t freak out. This is very likely a ransomware attempt.
- Whatever you do, don’t call the phone number listed. If you haven’t downloaded an email attachment from an unfamiliar address (or an unexpected email/attachment from a familiar address), you’re likely OK. If you call the number and start following the instructions of the crooks on the other end of the line, you will assuredly put yourself at risk.
- Turn off your computer. If you can’t get it to shut down the normal way, hold down the power button until it shuts down. When you restart your computer, it will likely work just fine.
- Use this experience as a wake-up call. You should take this heart-pounding incident as a wake-up call and update your anti-virus, anti-malware software. And if you don’t currently have such software, get it now. Even if you have a Mac. The old rumor that Macs don’t need anti-virus/anti-malware software may have been true a decade ago, but not anymore. Don’t fool yourself. There are even some free options available. Check out this Macworld.com story for the best Mac antivirus options for 2017. And if you own a PC, here’s a roundup of the best Antivirus protection of 2017 from PC Mag.
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