Ransomware Attacks: What They Are and How to Protect Your Data

Ransomware Attacks: What They Are and How to Protect Your Data

Imagine turning on your computer only to find a message demanding payment to access your own files. That’s not a bad dream—it’s called a ransomware attack, and it’s one of the fastest-growing cyber threats today. At ABQ Computer Pros, we’ve helped many Albuquerque clients recover from these digital hostage situations—and more importantly, prevent them.

If you’ve never dealt with ransomware, consider yourself lucky. But in today’s digital world, everyone needs to understand how it works and how to defend against it.

What Is Ransomware?

Ransomware is a form of malware that encrypts your data and locks you out of your files, demanding a ransom (usually in cryptocurrency) to restore access. The scary part? Even if you pay, there’s no guarantee your data will be returned.

Some of the most well-known ransomware variants include:

• CryptoLocker

• WannaCry

• LockBit

• Ryuk

These programs target businesses, hospitals, schools, and home users—no one is immune.

How Does Ransomware Spread?

Ransomware typically spreads through:

• Phishing emails with malicious attachments or links

• Fake software downloads or cracked programs

• Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) vulnerabilities

• Malicious ads (malvertising)

• Infected websites or compromised links

Once it infects your system, it quietly encrypts your files and displays a ransom message demanding payment for the decryption key.

Signs of a Ransomware Infection

• A sudden message demanding payment to access your files

• Files have strange extensions like .locked or .encrypted

• Inability to open documents, photos, or system files

• Sluggish or unresponsive computer behavior

• A complete system lockout in severe cases

If you see any of these signs, disconnect from the internet immediately and call a professional—like ABQ Computer Pros—right away.

What to Do If You’re Infected

1. Disconnect from the internet to stop further data encryption or spread to other devices

2. Do not pay the ransom—there’s no guarantee you’ll get your files back

3. Contact ABQ Computer Pros to begin data recovery and malware removal

4. If possible, restore files from a secure backup

5. Report the attack to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)

Time is critical in these situations. The sooner you act, the better your chances of saving your data.

How to Prevent Ransomware Attacks

• Regularly back up your data to offline or cloud storage

• Keep your operating system and software up to date

• Use strong, updated antivirus and anti-ransomware software

• Don’t open suspicious emails or click on unknown links

• Train your team on cybersecurity best practices

ABQ Computer Pros: Albuquerque’s Ransomware Recovery Experts

At ABQ Computer Pros, we’ve seen firsthand how devastating ransomware attacks can be. That’s why we offer expert malware removal, data recovery, and cybersecurity solutions tailored to the Albuquerque community.

Whether you’ve been hit or want to make sure you never are, we’re here to help.

📍 Local. Reliable. Trusted by businesses and families across Albuquerque.

💬 Don’t let ransomware hold your data hostage. Call ABQ Computer Pros today—let’s secure your system and protect what matters most.

Need help fast? We offer emergency service and same-day support for critical cases.