IS RANSOMWARE LEGAL OR NOT
Ransomware is a strain of malware that blocks a user from the computer or mobile devices. It could also encrypt your data and then it will demand a ransom fee for users to regain accessibility. This ransomware fooled many because it sometimes displayed the logo of a law enforcement agency. Others think that this is ransomware legal. In reality, no law enforcement agency would lock computers, threaten individuals, and demand to pay money. If that thing happens, you need to report it to the proper authorities and don’t think that is ransomware legal.
Is Ransomware Legal: Determine How Ransomware Became Illegal
It is Not Because It Can Encrypt Your Data
When there is a ransomware intrusion in your computer, it will gather all the important information inside the computer and encrypt them all. The ransomware is capable of encrypting all kinds of file formats. When confused, whether Is ransomware legal or not, it is not, because no legal software will ever encrypt your computer files without your permission.
It is Not Because It Can Tamper Your Data Inside
If you end up being a victim of ransomware, it will change the file names of your data. It will rearrange your file names to make it more confusing to identify which files are infected by the strains of the ransomware.
It is Not Because It Threatens You With a Ransom Message
Ransomware inside a computer always leaves a ransom message to threaten a victim. This way, you will be forced to pay the amount in return for your data. This ransom threat could cause you a lot of stress. And it is not legal to threaten someone and ask for money in exchange for a hacked computer.
It is Not Because It Demands a Payment in Bitcoin
Ransomware is considered illegal because aside from capturing your data in the computer, it will demand you to pay a ransom fee. The added burden to the victim is that it asks for a payment using Bitcoins. This is how the cyber-criminals hide from the authorities. They prefer to use cryptocurrencies because it is hard to trace the transactions in cryptocurrencies.
It is Not Because It Will Use Your PC as Part of Botnets
Once a computer is infected with ransomware, it makes use of all the hardware resources of that computer and makes it part of a Botnet. A botnet is a compilation of all internet-connected devices, it could be a PC, a server, or a mobile device bound together by malware and commanded by a hacker. They use the combined power of all botnets to launch more attacks.
It is Not Because It Will Infect Other PC In The Network
After the ransomware infects a computer, the following step is to infect other computers that are also connected to the same network. The hacked computers will be added to the resources of the botnets.
It is Not Because It Will Get Your Data
Another illegal activity done by ransomware is to get all your important data. Your private pictures or videos inside your computer might be posted on a public website. You probably don’t want that to happen. User accounts and passwords will be viewed in public because of this ransomware.
Is Ransomware Legal: How To Defend Yourselves
Reinstall And Restore From Backup
If you end up being a ransomware victim, you can re-install your system and restore your data. Just make sure that you have a copy of a good backup of your important files. This way, you can restore your system safely and free from any strains of ransomware. This is where the importance of doing a regular backup should take place if is ransomware legal. If you have a backup- through software or manual, you will not be afraid of these attacks.
Use Decryption Tool
Xcitium When you have been infected by ransomware, you can remove this with the help of decryption tools. These tools are downloadable on the internet and you can choose different makers. The important thing to remember is to make sure that your downloaded copy comes from a legitimate site.
To answer the question, is ransomware legal or not. It is not. The sad truth is that it is very hard to prosecute the cyber-criminals. Therefore, the best way to protect yourself against these attacks is to have security software as your primary defense. It is your accountability to protect your data and be safe from these ransomware attacks.
Related Sources:
Endpoint Detection
Endpoint Detection and Response
Trojan Virus
Ransomware Software