What is VPN and how does VPN protect you on internet?

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What Is A VPN? Virtual Private Network (VPN) A VPN is an internet security method used in adding extra security and privacy to your network. Public or private networks such as public WiFi (wireless), home WiFi, internet by Internet Service Providers (ISP) has a great internet security threat without a VPN. VPN is use basically to protect sensitive data. The essence of VPN is user privacy by replacing the user's initial IP address with one from VPN provider. This allows the user to hide his IP location while exposing the VPN IP to the public. VPN Security For the most part, VPN does not provides anonymity as some users perceive, but provides additional layer of security between you and your ISP or any network that you are connected to. This is achieve by encrypting all your data during communication before leaving your device. This means even if your data is intercepted, it will be meaningless to the person who intercepted it. VPN uses an encryption protocols that is advan...

How to protect yourself from ransomware

Ransomware is a kind of cyber attack that involves hackers taking control of a computer or mobile device and demanding payment.

The attackers download malicious software onto a device and then use it to encrypt the victim's information. They threaten to block access to the files until a ransom is paid. It is common for criminals to ask for a fee between 0.3 and 1 Bitcoins (£400 - 1,375). 

Such attacks are mostly waged against businesses, but can also affect individuals. 

Here are some ways to protect yourself from ransomware. 

Back up your files 


The greatest damage people suffer from a ransomware attack is the loss of files, including pictures and documents. 

The best protection against ransomware is to back up all of the information and files on your devices in a completely separate system. A good place to do this is on an external hard drive that isn't connected to the internet. This means that if you suffer an attack you won't lose any information to the hackers.

Businesses often save copies of their data to external servers that won't be affected if their main network is attacked. 

Be suspicious of emails, websites and apps


For ransomware to work hackers need to download malicious software onto a victims computer. This is then used to launch the attack and encrypt files. 

The most common ways for the software to be installed on a victim's device is through phishing emails, malicious adverts on websites, and questionable apps and programs. 

People should always exercise caution when opening unsolicited emails or visiting websites they are unfamiliar with. Never download an app that hasn't been verified by an official store, and read reviews before installing programs. 

Use an antivirus program 


An age-old computer security tip, antivirus programs can stop ransomware from being downloaded onto computers and can find it when it is.

Most antivirus programs can scan files to see if they might contain ransomware before downloading them. They can block secret installations from malicious adverts when you're browsing the web, and look for malware that may already be on a computer or device. 

Always install updates 


Companies often release software updates to fix vulnerabilities that can be exploited to install ransomware. It is therefore advisable to always download the newest version of a software as soon as it is available. 

Never pay the ransom


Victims of ransomware attacks are advised to never pay the fee as it encourages attackers and may not result in files being recovered. There are some programs that can help decrypt files. Or, if you have a back up, you can restore your device from that. 

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