The security of files and folders in your computer should be as important to you as anything. If your computer accesses the internet, there are chances that it is exposed to threats online. Making sure that data stored in files and folders are sufficiently secured should be a priority. Using a very good and updated anti-virus is a great way to ensure system security. But you should not just trust one line of defense, you could double it.
In this presentation, I will raise our awareness level to get us ready to defend our files and folders from unauthorized intrusion. Basically, we will look at the following:
- What is ransomware attack?
- How to set up Controlled Folder Access
Lets start with the first one:
What is ransomware attack
A ransomware is one of the many ways to attack a computer system and cause damage. It is a computer program that is designed to seize control of your computer files or folders and lock away the owners access to them until some ransom is paid. The aim of a ransomware attack is to get the owner of locked files and folders to pay the criminal before they can have access again.
Cyber criminals that launch ransomware attacks take advantage of security loopholes in your computer as you make use of the internet. They usually target the most important files or folders such as those of operating system or ones holding important personal data. Once they lock you away, you have to pay the ransom, otherwise you permanently loose access to such folders.
Like I mentioned earlier, the internet is full of threats. Each time you come online, you are stepping into a universal ocean full of malicious threats. Protecting your device and important folders is something you should care about. If you have a very strong anti-virus program, be sure that it is updated. In addition to your anti-virus, there is another windows tool called Controlled Folder Access which could be helpful when your system comes under ransomware attack. Lets see how it works.
How to set up Controlled Folder Access
Controlled Folder Access is part of the Microsoft Defender Antivirus system. This tool when enabled prevents unknown programs from making changes to your files, folders and other storage locations. Change the nature or content of folders is one of the main target of ransomware programs. So with this feature, windows will seek your permission anytime an unknown program tries to tamper with your folders.
We will now learn how to set up Controlled Folder Access. Follow the steps below:
Step 1: On the search box, type Windows Security. Click the app to open it. Check Image below:
Step 2: One the menu window, click on Virus & Threat protection
Step 3: Scroll down to where you have Ransomware protection and click on Manage ransomware protection
Step 4: Under Controlled Folder access, click the toggle button to switch it on. That is all you have to do.
Finally
The Controlled folder access is a free and strong tool to double your protection in case your anti-virus fails. If you set it up this way, unknown or unauthorized apps will not be able to edit or manipulate folder contents in any way. As such you are protected from any possible ransomware attacks.
Note: Apart from the thumbnail, all images are mine.
Consulted material: Ransomware
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