Ransomware protection for the average user?

[ForgottenSeer 55474]

I would recommend Bitdefender in auto pilot mode

 

[WinXPert]

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

Sorry for not mentioning the version number. I'm using ver 7.4.21.0. I do not recommend ver 8.

 

[cruelsister]

I did so on the previous version, but not version 8. There are 2 flavors- Free and paid. the paid adding Honeypots (which we have seen how lacking these may be with RansomFree). When version 8 went public I did a private video which was sent to them in anticipation of a discussion of my concerns. Surprisingly enough I received a response that was extremely rude and certainly not helpful in improving the product.

I actually was happy with the response as from now on (except for Qihoo, who are always concerned and polite) if any developer wants to discuss a breach with me, it should be accompanied by a QC consultancy contract (and I am NOT cheap); otherwise they can screw themselves.

WinXpert- Version 7, relying on Policy bases defenses, is also totally inadequate for todays malware.

 

[WinXPert]

WinXpert- Version 7, relying on Policy bases defenses, is also totally inadequate for todays malware.

True, but it's a better than nothing passive defense, works here at the shop in blocking worms and trojans which we do get a lot. Haven't experienced any ransomware yet (except from samples). Anyway, I used to have MBAM AntiRansomware, tried Voodoo Shield and settled for AppCheck.

 

[Tony Cole]

@Lockdown I don't have a clue what he did, only found out about one week later, crappy PC World in the UK just wiped it, and gave no advice what the threat was, nor how to prevent it.

 

[Windows_Security]

For inexperienced users solid and easy to use ransomware protection

a) Avast Free fileshield aggressive hardened mode (cloud whitelist)
b) harden Office to not run scripts,add-ons, macro's
c) AppCheck free to limit damage

 

[Windows_Security]

I am NOT cheap

Of course not! You are a respected lady (certainly in this forum)

 

[Winter Soldier]

I don't want to be argumentative, but if so it seems, my apologies.
The fact is that in these times being beginners or unaware users is a defeat.
There are not valid reasons to justify gaps in security: lack of time, stress, fatigue are unlikely motivations.
The user has to protect himself in the first place by becoming aware.
If I ask to some of my friends: "what is ransomware?", their answer is:" a virus..."
Apart from the fact that a virus is a subtype of malware, but the answer is quite disturbing!
If you do not know the enemy, how you can fight it?
Then you enter a vicious circle: you are a victim of ransomware and you don't have a backup so you pay money for getting back your files (no warranty btw).
Your money is used to fund the cybercrime...a snake that bites its tail.

 

[Ink]

You can step-in to take control and ensure to minimise the risks.

@Lockdown I don't have a clue what he did, only found out about one week later, crappy PC World in the UK just wiped it, and gave no advice what the threat was, nor how to prevent it.

 

[roger_m]

The user has to protect himself in the first place by becoming aware.

True, but the average user just installs antivirus software and thinks thats all they need to do to be protected.

 

[Dmitry_rus]

1-st of all, I would recommend reading the following articles:
Avoid Malware - 5 easy tips to avoid infections
Avoid Malware - How to avoid malware
It dramatically decreases the risks.

 

[Handsome Recluse]

I don't want to be argumentative, but if so it seems, my apologies.
The fact is that in these times being beginners or unaware users is a defeat.
There are not valid reasons to justify gaps in security: lack of time, stress, fatigue are unlikely motivations.
The user has to protect himself in the first place by becoming aware.
If I ask to some of my friends: "what is ransomware?", their answer is:" a virus..."
Apart from the fact that a virus is a subtype of malware, but the answer is quite disturbing!
If you do not know the enemy, how you can fight it?
Then you enter a vicious circle: you are a victim of ransomware and you don't have a backup so you pay money for getting back your files (no warranty btw).
Your money is used to fund the cybercrime...a snake that bites its tail.

Semantics don't really matter as long as they get the idea. They can also be taught to follow routine since most of them probably don't have the desire to pirate. The self-control is already within them and this minimum is probably enough since they're unlikely to be targeted.

 

[Tony Cole]

Well done @ cruelsister they just do not like being to their product does not do what they state it does.