How to Test Your Antivirus, Firewall, Browser, and Software Security

So you have an antivirus guarding your system, your firewall is up, your browser plug-ins are all up-to-date, and you’re not missing any security patches. But how can be sure your defenses are actually working as well as you think they are?
These tools can also be particularly useful if you’re trying to quickly determine how secure someone else’s PC is. They can show you just how much vulnerable software the PC has installed.

Cryptolocker ransomware has ‘infected about 250,000 PCs’

A virulent form of ransomware has now infected about quarter of a million Windows computers, according to a report by security researchers.
Cryptolocker scrambles users’ data and then demands a fee to unencrypt it alongside a countdown clock.
Dell Secureworks said that the US and UK had been worst affected.
It added that the cyber-criminals responsible were now targeting home internet users after initially focusing on professionals.

Prevent Ransomware: Steps to take to stay protected & secure

Time and again we learn about threats, that new variants of malware such as Ransomware pose to computer users. The ransomware virus locks access to a file or your computer and demands that a ransom be paid to the creator for regaining access, usually allowed via either an anonymous pre-paid cash voucher or Bitcoin. One specific ransomware threat that has managed to attract attention in recent times, is Cryptolocker, apart from FBI ransomware, Crilock & Locker.

Ransomware

Ransomware is a type of malware that stops you from using your PC until you pay a certain amount of money (the ransom).
It is often called "FBI Moneypak" or the "FBI virus" as it often uses the FBI or local police logos and asks you to pay using Green Dot MoneyPak.
There are two types of ransomware.