The Spanish Banking Association (AEB) is collaborating for the second consecutive year in the joint initiative of law enforcement and the private sector that offers victims of online information theft and extortion (ransomware) a solution to the loss of their personal files or demands for money to recover them.
The project, which marks its fourth anniversary in July, has already helped more than 4.2 million victims of digital information hijacking recover their files free of charge through this portal, a free repository of information and tools available in 36 languages to defend against cybercriminals and avoid paying ransoms.
“While the world is in the grip of coronavirus, another virus is silently wreaking havoc. Although it has existed for years, its cases have increased alarmingly in recent months and have paralyzed critical activities, such as those of hospitals and governments. This virus is ransomware, but the ‘No More Ransom’ initiative is helping victims defend themselves without paying hackers,” states Europol.
According to Europol, ‘No More Ransom’ has prevented ransoms totaling $632 million since its launch, thanks to contributions from its 163 partners, who have added 28 tools to the portal in the past year, enabling it to decrypt 140 types of ransomware infections.
Citizens and businesses can follow a series of simple steps to prevent ransomware from reaching their electronic devices, such as performing backups, ensuring software is up to date, using robust antivirus software, or being careful when clicking on attachments and visiting unknown websites.
To do this, simply visit the website www.nomoreransom.org and follow the Crypto Sheriff steps to help identify the ransomware strain affecting the device. If a solution is available, a link will be provided to download the decryption tool free of charge.
Here you will find more tips to protect yourself from digital hijacking attempts and more information about the latest key figures from the initiative.
