Ransomware attacks are growing at an exponential pace. Majority of them are real cryptographic malware programs that lock down the files on the affected device and you need ransomware repairs to get back your encrypted data. But there are some cybercriminals who are using this unprecedented prevalence of ransomware attacks to launch ‘fake’ ones.
Instead of using different encryption modules, they use social engineering tactics to coerce the victims for ransom payment. Let’s see how the operators of fake ransomware try to rip off the targeted users.
A Locked Down Screen
In most of the fake ransomware cases, its operators lock down the screen and post an intimidating ransom note. They also warn the user to not open the files and to commence any ransomware repair activity, or else they can lose their data permanently. In addition, unlike an actual ransomware attack, fake ransomware merchants provide a tight deadline to provoke time urgency.
A Frozen Browser Window
Fake ransomware can also appear on your device through a browser window that can’t be navigated up and down. A similar ransom note is also used here to push the affected users to pay the attackers.
Finding out the Reality
If your device has been infected and you are seeing a ransom note just as mentioned in the above discussion, do one simple thing to ensure whether it’s a real or fake ransomware attack. Press Alt+F4 in Windows and Command- W in Mac OS to close out the screen. Once the ransom screen is minimized, open different folders and see if you are seeing any unfamiliar file names and extensions. If not, then congratulations it’s just a hoax and you won’t need any ransomware repair.
If you can’t decide about the veracity of ransomware attack from the above mentioned method, there is another way to confirm i.e. the internet. Google the details provided by the ransomware operator. If the ransomware infiltration is real, you will find all the pertinent details on the internet.
Fake ransomware attacks happen, but they are rare. Therefore, it is better to call for professional ransomware repair services even if you suspect that you have been hit by a fake one.
