If there’s one pop-up you NEVER want to see on your computer screen, it’s this: “Your files have been encrypted. You have 72 hours to submit payment or they will be deleted forever.” Once ransomware hits, it’s too late. Game over. The best way to beat ransomware is prevention. Make sure it never happens in the first place. And if somehow it happens anyway, make sure you have up-to-date backups ready to go. The first step to prevention is to invest in serious cybersecurity. Start with antivirus software with active monitoring. Then, layer in anti-malware and anti-ransomware programs. Finally, store current backups in the cloud and/or on a separate unplugged hard drive.
-blog.malwarebytes.com