A New Weapon Against Ransomware

I still have problems with Iobit (MBAM)they have too many popups/try to install PUPs 9& in my case succeeded).

I keep my machine's data fully backed up onto removable hard drives, so if it were ever ransomed, I'd never pay extortion money---I'd just say adios to an aging machine and start over again.

Because unplugging and replugging USB connectors is a nuisance, I keep my "daily" USB-external backup disks plugged in and ready (not ejected), which means that malware can reach them. It would be helpful if a computer's user could hide connected external disks with a Windows command, and then "connect" them with a command, instead of pulling out the plugs and re-plugging.

Why Windows lacks a mount/dismount command for external disks escapes me.

Downloaded and installed. No problems as of now.

Can malicious entities encrypt all the data on our hard drives, even when we are logged on to Windows as standard users? If so, that is a very serious problem that Microsoft should address directly!

I also want to say Bob, that since you changed your website, when the Post Comment (click once and wait message) started appearing, LastPass will no longer fill in my details! This is really annoying, as I hate having to type my email address in every time.

Wellllllllll........the program decided about 5 components of McAffee suite were "ransomeware". I ended up having to uninstall McAffee and resinstalling it. So much for "ransomeware."

A friend was backing his software up at three different websites, and Ransomware infiltrated through one of them. Now all his files are locked up.

I am using CryptoPrevent for three years. It is an Anti-Virus/Security Software Supplement, originally designed to prevent infection from the CryptoLocker threat which emerged in late 2013. Since that time, CryptoPrevent has grown into a robust solution, providing protection against a wide range of ransomware and other malware. The free version works well, requiring manual updates. The premium version provides automatic updates. The website link is https://www.foolish*t.com/cryptoprevent-malware-prevention/

Let me update my prior statement. I opened my Google Chrome a while ago and Malwarebytes Anti-Ransomware ate my Google Chrome. It wiped it out. I had to uninstall Malwarebytes A/R and download and install Chrome off of my Edge browser. Think I will leave it alone until all the bugs are out.

This is great! I plan to get it as soon as the completed version is available.

Another great article, Bob. Thank you.

Our home computer was struck by a Ransomware attack.Had to take it to our computer guy to wipe it and reload. He suggested getting an external hard drive in case it happens again we can just switch it.
I have the free MW Bytes but 24.95 a year is a bargain so we will be buying it.

Our computer guy said that companies that are hit with this ransomeware (which operate exactly as you describe, Bob) will often pay to get their data back. I find the idea of paying the attackers abhorrent and told my partner I would rather pay our computer guy to fix it or toss the computer rather than to pay off the bast*&^ that hijacked our computer.

MBAM is $25/lifetime, or so it used to be. I have 5 lifetime licenses. Did that change?

Never mind my comment - it did change to $25/year. .....

I have 3 different Back Ups, one on a DVD disc, one on a Cloud and one on my External Drive. I feel pretty comfortable with that.

I did download the Beta version of MBSM Anti-Ransomware. It says that I am Fully Protected and there is nothing in the Quarantine section. I also have Bitdefender's Anti-Ransomware. Both are free. I don't know if, one cancels out the other or not. They don't seem to be conflicting one another.

I've tried this new beta ransomware program. While doing my weekly scans it deemed Wise Disk Cleaner as ransomware and froze out the software. Had to re-download it. Also, it said PrivaZer was also ransomeware. I have since deleted Malwarebytes Ransomeware from my PC. I will wait for ALPA version.

I installed it and it immediately identified my Zinio Reader as Ransomware and blocked me from reading Magazines I paid for. It also nagged me every few minutes to restart my Computer. Still have to check if anything else was removed. No more Ransomware from Malewarebytes for me. I also removed Malewarebites as it takes forever to scan. Superantispyware is fine

I installed this today, and 30 minutes later it quarantined part of McAfee AV.

I visited the Quarantine Tab on MalwareBytes Anti-Ransom, but was unable to restore the quarantined files. Instead, when I tried, I got the message "cannot restore files that have been marked for deletion upon reboot".

That was enough for me. I uninstalled MBAM anti-Ransom and then found that my real time virus scanning had been permanently turned off. I had to download yet another program McAfee Virtual Technician, in order to fix that.

I realize I'm not the most computer literate guy in the world, and maybe Bob Rankin would have no problems with any of this .... but for me, it's more headaches than I want or need.

I already make frequent backups, so perhaps I'm better off just avoiding this beta.

Malwarebytes is a solid performer, and I have used it for years. And now, with a behavior-driven, anti-ransomeware feature, it will be a heavyweight contender in the battle against malware.
Yes, the best defense against a ransom note on the screen is a safe system backup (or two or more others) already safely stored away. The only problem is few people actually make a regular system backup, which leaves far too many users wide open to the most devastating attack possible.
And is precisely why there is an ample market for this promising new product from Malwarebytes.

Here, you seem to be promoting Malwarebytes, but in your same newsletter, you highlight (Huge Security Hole in Malwarebytes) a serious security problem with Malwarebytes. Which view do you want to take?