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How to Protect Your Computer from Ransomware

September 13, 2026 · LuxuriousComputers Repair, Marion OH

Ransomware locks your files and demands payment to get them back. It's one of the most devastating attacks a home user can face — and it's more common than most people in Marion realize. Here's how to protect yourself before it happens, and what to do if it already has.

What Is Ransomware?

Ransomware is malware that encrypts your files — documents, photos, videos, everything — and demands a payment (usually in cryptocurrency) for the decryption key. Even if you pay, there's no guarantee you'll get your files back. The average ransom demand for individuals is $500–$5,000, but the real cost is the irreplaceable files you might lose.

How Ransomware Gets On Your Computer

1. Phishing emails — fake emails from "Amazon," "Microsoft," or "your bank" with malicious attachments or links
2. Malicious downloads — pirated software, cracked programs, and fake "free" tools that bundle ransomware
3. Compromised websites — legitimate sites that have been hacked to serve malware through ads or downloads
4. Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) — if your computer has remote access enabled with a weak password, attackers can get in directly
5. USB drives — infected flash drives, especially from unknown sources

7 Ways to Protect Yourself

1. Keep Offline Backups

This is the single most important defense. If your files are backed up to an external drive that's disconnected from your computer, ransomware can't touch them. Back up at least once a week, then unplug the drive. Cloud backups (Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox) help too, but some ransomware can encrypt synced cloud files.

2. Keep Windows and Software Updated

Ransomware often exploits known vulnerabilities in Windows and popular software. Enable automatic updates in Settings → Windows Update. Also update your browser, PDF reader, and any other software you use regularly.

3. Use Real Antivirus Software

Windows Defender is decent, but adding Malwarebytes (free version) as a second-opinion scanner catches things Defender misses. Run a full scan at least monthly. Avoid "PC cleaner" software that promises miracles — many are scams themselves.

4. Don't Open Suspicious Email Attachments

The most dangerous file types: .exe, .scr, .zip, .js, .docm (macro-enabled Word docs). If an email seems urgent ("Your account will be closed!") and has an attachment, it's almost certainly fake. When in doubt, go directly to the company's website instead of clicking any links.

5. Disable Remote Desktop Unless You Need It

Settings → System → Remote Desktop → Off. Most home users don't need it. If you do use remote desktop, use a strong password and enable Network Level Authentication.

6. Use a Standard User Account for Daily Use

Create a standard (non-admin) Windows account for everyday use. Ransomware that runs under a standard account can't modify system files or other user profiles as easily. Only switch to your admin account when installing software.

7. Enable Controlled Folder Access

Windows 11 has a built-in ransomware protection feature most people don't know about. Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Ransomware protection → Controlled folder access: On. This prevents unauthorized programs from modifying your Documents, Pictures, and other important folders.

Already Infected? What to Do

1. Disconnect from the internet immediately — unplug Ethernet and turn off WiFi to stop the ransomware from spreading or communicating with its server
2. Don't pay the ransom — there's no guarantee you'll get your files back, and paying funds more attacks
3. Check No More Ransom — the nomoreransom.org project (run by Europol and security companies) has free decryption tools for many ransomware variants
4. Bring it to us — we can identify the ransomware variant, attempt recovery, clean the infection, and set up protections to prevent reinfection

Our virus and malware removal service includes ransomware cleanup and data recovery attempts. We'll also set up proper backup systems so you're protected going forward.