Acer NITRO User Manual page 44

44 - Internet and online security
Don't be fooled if someone calls your phone
A tech support scam is a form of online fraud where people call you on the phone saying
they're Technical Support from a trusted company like Norton or Microsoft and that you
have a virus. The main motive behind these scams is to extort money from the victim.
Cybercriminals can also install malware such as keylogging software or backdoor Trojans
in order to gain access to personal information.
How to stay safe: Don't fall for phone calls that tell you your software or computer
isn't working. Never give your personal information like social security or credit card
numbers to someone that you don't know over the phone.
Common threats cybercriminals use
Now you know a few very common ways cybercriminals try to sneak onto your device or
trick you into providing private information to them directly. Here are a few of the types of
malware they like to deploy once they've got into a device and what to do if you're ever
infected.
Ransomware
A form of malware that will encrypt personal data files on your computer and attached
devices. Encryption converts files into another format, that can only be opened with a
specific decryption key. Once the ransomware installs itself, it will display a warning
message that the computer is now locked. The user is given a specific amount of money to
pay as a "fine" and a timeframe in which to pay. Even if paid, the criminal might choose to
not unencrypt the files anyway!
What to do if you're infected: Avoid getting infected in the first place by staying
protected with internet security software like Norton Security. Also, perform regular
backups of all your data either online or to a separate external hard drive that is
attached
to your computer while performing the backup. Ransomware has been known to
lock access to external hard drives attached to the computer.
If you are infected with ransomware, think twice before you pay the ransom. There is no
guarantee the cybercriminal will unlock your files and you'll be funding them to prey upon
another innocent victim.
only