New Ransomware Tools Target Security Software: What Families Should Know

A ransomware operation called The Gentlemen has developed sophisticated tools designed to disable antivirus and security software on computers. These tools, called GentleKiller, turn off the protections that normally keep your computer safe before the attackers lock your files and demand payment. The attackers are sharing these tools with criminal partners to make their attacks more effective. This threat affects anyone using a computer with security software installed. If attackers manage to get onto your computer, they could use these tools to turn off your antivirus protection without you knowing. Once your protection is disabled, they can lock all your files, photos, and documents and demand money to unlock them. Families, small businesses, and anyone who stores important information on their computers could be at risk.

Here's what you should do right now to protect yourself:

1. Make sure your antivirus or security software is turned on and updating automatically. Check this on every computer and laptop in your home.
2. Create backup copies of all your important files, photos, and documents on an external hard drive or cloud service. Keep the external drive disconnected when not backing up.
3. Never click on links or download attachments from emails you weren't expecting, even if they appear to come from someone you know.
4. Keep your computer's operating system updated by installing updates as soon as they become available. For long term protection, make backing up your files a regular habit. Set a calendar reminder to back up your important files every week or month. Teach everyone in your family to be suspicious of unexpected emails and downloads. Good security software is important, but your backup copies are your insurance policy if something goes wrong. Even if attackers lock your files, you can restore everything from your backup without paying criminals a single dollar.