Ransomware protection for the average user?

[jelson]

Recently, I just discovered... to my shock... that most of my friends have not yet heard about ransomware!

Of course, that begs the question of what program I should recommend for them so that have some protection beyond a Security Suite (typically I recommend Kaspersky IS to them.)

Naturally, I'm always urging them to... at a minimum... to periodically backup their data. And a few are computer literate enough that I take them by the hand and show them how to make system images with Macrium Reflect Free.

For most of them, they need something that doesn't require them to make choices about things they have no understanding (like pop-up alerts.)

But a few --that the ones who've learned how to use Macrium Reflect-- might be able to handle learning how to handle the occasional popup... in order to safeguard their irreplaceable data.

Suggestions...? Thanx

 

[sudo -i]

If they're capable of using Macrium Reflect, they will be more than capable of using VoodooShield™ - The User-Friendly Toggling Computer Lock.. The occasional user-friendly pop-up with no extra initialization needed.

 

[Balrog]

If they're capable of using Macrium Reflect, they will be more than capable of using VoodooShield™ - The User-Friendly Toggling Computer Lock.. The occasional user-friendly pop-up with no extra initialization needed.

I second that. Voodooshield simple works.

 

[_CyberGhosT_]

@jelson
for the beginner or "average" user, I would say VS free or AppCheck
both require very little user interaction

 

[sudo -i]

@jelson
for the beginner or "average" user, I would say VS free or AppCheck
both require very little user interaction

AppCheck may get a little messy with the manual file restoration if they are ever hit with ransomware. It's definitely not hard to understand, but it requires a bit more experience for the user.

 

[_CyberGhosT_]

AppCheck may get a little messy with the manual file restoration if they are ever hit with ransomware. It's definitely not hard to understand, but it requires a bit more experience for the user.

I wasn't aware you were using it already, what version brother ?

 

[sudo -i]

I wasn't aware you were using it already, what version brother ?

Free version right now, I am definitely definitely buying the Pro when it launches internationally in a month, but @cruelsister blessed us with great examples of how well-written ransomware can trash some files but can be restored.

 

[_CyberGhosT_]

Free version right now, I am definitely definitely buying the Pro when it launches internationally in a month, but @cruelsister blessed us with great examples of how well-written ransomware can trash some files but can be restored.

I "have" been using the Pro version for the past month, and it is a good solution for the
Average user
In the free version many of the Pro features are off.

 

[sudo -i]

I "have" been using the Pro version for the past month, and it is a good solution for the
Average user
In the free version many of the Pro features are off.

Other than an extra sense of security, do you think you really need it behind your resident protection + VoodooShield? I've already uninstalled it twice because I think it becomes overkill, but I reinstalled it because "why not".

 

[_CyberGhosT_]

I don't run both at the same time, never said I did, but they can be run concurrent.
Lets stay on topic

 

[sudo -i]

I don't run both at the same time, never said I did, but they can be run concurrent.
Lets stay on topic

Absolutely on topic. We are getting first-hand accounts from @_CyberGhosT_ regarding the usefulness and greatness of AppCheck.

 

[_CyberGhosT_]

@jelson
both require very little user interaction

This was my motivation for commenting, you contradict me yet haven't used the Pro version yet.
Posting "what you know" and "want you think you know" are two very different things here.
We need to be careful as what we post many new members see as gospel, we have a
responsibility to be as accurate as can be no worries

 

[Tony Cole]

This is the main issue, my uncle was hit by locky ransomware and he's an average user who doesn't have a clue, he didn't even know what ransomware was, when it comes to security he gets confused and these are the people they target as they do not understand about fraud and other threats. Basic antivirus software is not enough, but add additional protection and he just wouldn't be able to use it, and that's the main problem. Software like Sandboxie, AppGuard, Voodooshield are directed at advanced users, and require a huge learning curve, the normal home users would probably cause BSOD. As cruelsister has stated virtualization is the way forward, but who can use that? Set and forget is not strong enough.

 

[DJ Panda]

Backups are essential! Before any protection reguardless of how strong you need a backup. Voodoosheild, Avast, and WD are some of my favorite kind of protection but eventually one will fail. Also it is up to you to make choices such as choosing to download an unknown file or not. That could be the situation of being infected or not.

 

[509322]

my uncle was hit by locky ransomware and he's an average user who doesn't have a clue

@Tony Cole - do you know the details of how he got hit ? What he did and what happened ?

 

[WinXPert]

VS or AppCheck with CryptoPrevent set at Maximum

 

[jelson]

Great responses folks... thanks a bunch. Looking like VoodooShield or AppCheck is want I should recommend.

 

[cruelsister]

WinXpert- Be really careful about promoting CyrptoPrevent 8 (at Max or any other setting), the use of which may end in Tears.

 

[_CyberGhosT_]

Great responses folks... thanks a bunch. Looking like VoodooShield or AppCheck is want I should recommend.

If you need any Config help or advise feel free to PM me any time.
Good luck

 

[_CyberGhosT_]

WinXpert- Be really careful about promoting CyrptoPrevent 8 (at Max or any other setting), the use of which may end in Tears.

If I remember right didn't you do a vid on this product ?
if so could you link us to it, please CS. Thanks