Scam Alert – Ransomware
According to Microsoft , ransomware stops you from using your PC . It holds your PC or files for “ ransom .”
What does ransomware do ? There are different types of ransomware . However , all of them will prevent you from using your PC normally , and they will all ask you to do something before you can use your PC . They can target any PC user , whether it ’ s a home computer , endpoints in an enterprise network , or servers used by a government agency or healthcare provider . Ransomware can :
• Prevent you from accessing Windows .
• Encrypt files so you can ' t use them .
• Stop certain apps from running ( like your web browser ).
Ransomware will demand that you pay money ( a “ ransom ”) to get access to your PC or files . There is no guarantee that paying the fine or doing what the ransomware tells you will give access to your PC or files again .
Types of Ransomware
There are two types of ransomware – lockscreen ransomware and encryption ransomware . Lockscreen ransomware shows a full-screen message that prevents you from accessing your PC or files . It says you have to pay money ( a “ ransom ”) to get access to your PC again . Encryption ransomware changes your files so you can ’ t open them . It does this by encrypting the files . Older versions of ransomware usually claim you have done something illegal with your PC , and that you are being fined by a police force or government agency . These claims are false . It is a scare tactic designed to make you pay the money without telling anyone who might be able to restore
Home Security : Protecting Against Garage Door Break-Ins — A Favorite Entry-point for Thieves
couple things you can do to make it even more secure . Your Garage Door is a Major Weak-point in your Home Security
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Thieves know it , but not many home owners know how easy it is to gain access into a home through a traditional garage door .
The second that garage door closes , most home owners mistakenly assume that their home is secure , protected from the bad guys . Unfortunately , it ’ s often one of the first place criminals will check ; but don ’ t worry , there are a
One of the weakest points of your garage door is the opener itself . Every garage door opener has an emergency release — something that comes in handy should the power ever go out , but also something that is a major flaw in your home ’ s security .
The problem with these emergency door releases is most criminals know how to use them to their advantage . By simply running a wire through the top of your garage door – in the same way thieves used to jimmy old car locks with a Slim Jim – a thief can easily pull the emergency release and gain entry into your home in seconds .
To prevent break-ins through your garage door , there are a couple of things you can do :