Ransomware attacks have become increasingly prevalent in recent years, causing havoc for individuals and organizations alike. This malicious software encrypts files on a computer, rendering them inaccessible until a ransom is paid to the attacker. While the best defense against ransomware is to avoid visiting compromised websites and downloading suspicious files, there are additional protective measures that can be taken. One such measure is enabling the built-in ransomware protection feature in Windows.
Microsoft Defender, formerly known as Windows Defender, is a built-in antivirus program in Windows that can help protect against ransomware attacks. However, unlike third-party antivirus software, the extra safeguards in Microsoft Defender are not turned on by default. Users must manually enable them to ensure maximum protection.
To turn on ransomware protection in Windows, follow these simple steps:
Step One: Open Windows Security
Open the Windows Security app on your PC. There are several ways to access it:
– Press Alt + Spacebar on your keyboard, type in “windows security,” then hit Enter.
– Open your Start Menu and type in “windows security,” then press Enter.
– Open your Settings app, then choose Windows Security in the left pane.
Step Two: Find your ransomware settings
In the Windows Security app, click on “Virus & threat protection.” Then, click “Manage ransomware protection” at the bottom of the screen.
Next, turn on “Controlled folder access.” This setting restricts app access to your PC’s default OneDrive, Documents, Pictures, Videos, Music, and Favorites folders. You can also manually add other folders to the list.
It’s important to note that not all apps will be barred from accessing these areas in Windows. Microsoft Office programs are automatically allowed to open and alter files. However, any program that is not on Microsoft’s internal list of trusted apps will not be able to see anything in those folders until explicit permission is granted in Windows Security.
Step three: Make sure you’re logged into OneDrive
Limiting access to files and folders is not enough to ensure complete protection. It’s crucial to have good backups as well. Windows automatically backs up your files if you’re logged into OneDrive. You can confirm this protection by checking “Ransomware protection > Ransomware data recovery.”
While having backups in the cloud is convenient, it’s also recommended to have offline backups. If you only have one copy of your data, you’re not properly backed up. Therefore, it’s advisable to create an offline backup in addition to any cloud storage.
Enabling ransomware protection in Windows does come with some trade-offs. Controlling folder access can be slightly inconvenient, as it may block access to certain files by default. For example, gamers may find that access to save files is blocked as they are often stored in the Documents folder. However, this issue can be easily resolved by adding the app to the access list or saving game files to a different folder on the PC that does not have controlled access.
In addition to enabling ransomware protection, it’s important to take other measures to protect your Windows PC from online threats. Upgrading your antivirus software to a more sophisticated program, such as Norton 300 Deluxe, can provide additional layers of protection. This software bundles strong malware protection with a VPN, password manager, dark web monitoring, and more, making it easier to stay safe online.
In conclusion, ransomware attacks pose a significant threat to computer users. Enabling the built-in ransomware protection feature in Windows can help mitigate this risk. By following a few simple steps, users can enhance their computer’s security and protect their valuable files from being held hostage by cybercriminals. Remember to also take other precautions, such as backing up files offline and using reliable antivirus software, to ensure comprehensive protection against online threats.
