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FTC Offers Advice on How to Avoid and Respond to Ransomware Attacks

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Following its September workshop on  Ransomware  – malicious software that denies access to computer files until the victim pays a ransom – the Federal Trade Commission is offering tips on how consumers and businesses can protect devices and respond to ransomware. The FTC offers  How to defend against ransomware  to help consumers. Businesses can find guidance in  Ransomware – A closer look  and the accompanying video,  Defend against Ransomware . From Ransomware - A closer look: Ransomware is a form of malicious software that infiltrates computer systems or networks and uses tools like encryption to deny access or hold data “hostage” until the victim pays a ransom, frequently demanding payment in Bitcoin. In the typical case, the criminals demand between $500 to $1,000, but some have demanded as much as $30,000. Panelists described a wide variety of ransomware variants. For instance, some hackers will delete the victim’s files if payment isn’t made within a specified period of ti