Ransomware is a computer virus that takes over the target device, restricts the owner’s access, and demands the victim to pay a ransom to get their device back. Modern ransomware can steal files, target locally-stored backups, spread through the network, and even bring large organizations to a standstill.

The device can get infected through a malicious email, a spoofed website, or in many other ways. Then, the attackers may scan the device for something valuable or, if pressed for time, start encrypting everything at once. After encrypting the data, the ransomware will display a ransomware note with detailed instructions on how to create a cryptocurrency wallet and send Bitcoin to the attackers’ address.

In Canada, two of the most recent high profile ransomware attacks have been to the Toronto Transit Commission (the largest public transportation network in Canada’s largest city) that knocked down some of its communications system and a provincewide disruption of health-care services in Newfoundland and Labrador that affected thousands of appointments and procedures, including those involving COVID-19 testing. The annual Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA) Cybersecurity Survey says nearly 70 per cent of Canadian organizations facing a ransomware attack last year paid the demands to avoid downtime, reputational damage, and other costs.

In 2021, ransomware has increased to thousands of attacks per day and is predicted to cost businesses over $20 billion. Many successful attacks may be left undisclosed.

For the past twenty-five years, I have lived the life of a road warrior. I have traveled to all parts of North America with one of my most important assets, my laptop computer. I have had my laptop stolen, damaged and most recently, taken, in error, by another passenger, as I was passing through Security at an airport. I have learned a few painful lessons along the way. I would like to share some of them with you.

Laptop computers are small, powerful but delicate information processing devices. They have become essential to people in a broad range of industries, organizations and government agencies. Their importance demands a level of respect and attention to detail. There are a set of tasks that every computer owner should perform if they haven’t been taken before.

Personalize your Computer

To distinguish your computer from the millions of laptop computers in use, affix a large sticker or photo to your device. As you look around the Lost and Found department at your local airport, there are dozens of laptop computers that have gone astray. Many computers look alike except for the name of the manufacturer. Since the number of manufacturers has contracted in recent years, there are many Dell and Apple devices in inventory. Make sure to differentiate your computer from the rest of the pack. This is the best thing you can do to avoid having someone pick up your computer by accident as you pass through Security.