Windows 10 has a built-in ransomware block, you just need to enable it
Windows 10 includes a built-in antivirus system called Windows Defender. It is automatically enabled when you set up a new computer. This provides some protection against malware threats from the wild. Did you know that there is an optional layer that will protect your files in the event of ransomware? You will need to enable ransomware protection manually in Windows 10.
Forbes deserves a big thank you for pointing it out. This is something I didn’t know existed. You can enable it by typing “Ransomware Protection” in the Windows search bar. Or, you can navigate to Settings > Update and Security, click Virus & Threat Protection, scroll down, and click on Manage ransomware-protection.
The default setting for the Controlled folder access toggle on my computers is to “off”. You can turn it on to designate specific folders that trusted apps only have permission to access. Additionally, you can add folders above the ones selected by default. If necessary, you can also grant permission to specific apps to access protected folders.
Ransomware is one of the most rapidly growing malware threats. It has seen a huge 62 percent increase in attacks in 2020, compared to the previous year, according to SonicWall’s 2021 Cyber Threat report. Ransomware soared to new heights due to “the effects of a global epidemic, as well as record highs in cryptocurrency prices,” according to the report.
Last year, there were over 304 million ransomware attacks. Although not all ransomware attacks were successful in extorting money from victims’, Cover, an online ransomware remediation company, reported that the average ransomware payment rose to more than $220,000 in the fourth quarter last year.
These are mostly businesses paying ransom to the attackers holding their data hostage. While small businesses are most targeted, ransomware facilitators also target individuals.
It works with Windows 10 ransomware protection. A video from the PC Security Channel on YouTube shows the mechanism in action. It was posted several weeks ago by YouTube. The Controlled Folder Access feature stopped the designated folders from being altered by the “pretty dangerous ransomware” strain. However, non-protected folders were encrypted.
Windows 10 can protect specific folders if you choose. To increase your chances of success, you should back up all important data regularly. Smart computing habits, such as not clicking on unwelcome emails, can also help.
This was something we tried, but it stopped us from running FIFA 21. This is because the default My Documents folder is encrypted. This is not a problem. To make it fast and simple to grant access, click on the “Add an Allowable App” button. You can also remove My Documents (from the protected folders) from your list.
Paul has been playing PC games since the Commodore 64 and raking his knuckles with computer hardware ever since. Although he doesn’t have tattoos, he thinks it would be cool if one said LOAD “*”,8. He rides motorcycles and wrestles alligators in his spare time (only one is true).