Ransomware Protection: Why VPN is the Best Solution

Ransomware isn’t just something that happens to big companies you see on the news. It can hit regular people too. And while criminals today prefer targeting organizations (because they get bigger payouts), individuals still face real risks. The good news? Staying safe is actually easier than you think once you understand how ransomware works.

What is Ransomware?

Ransomware is a type of malware that:

1. Gets into your device

2. Locks your files (photos, documents, everything)

3. Demands money to unlock them

In some modern attacks, criminals also steal your data and threaten to publish it online unless you pay.

Think of it like a criminal sneaking into your phone or laptop, locking all your important stuff in a safe, and then demanding cash for the key

Most attacks start with very simple everyday mistakes:

✔️ 1. Clicking a fake email link

A message pretending to be:

• Amazon

• your bank

• a delivery company

• your job

• government agencies

One wrong click installs malware.

✔️ 2. Downloading unsafe “free” programs

Cracked apps, free movies, game mods, fake software updates. These are all common traps.

✔️ 3. Weak or reused passwords

Criminals buy leaked passwords online and log into your accounts or devices.

✔️ 4. Ignoring software updates

Outdated phones or laptops have vulnerabilities criminals know how to exploit.

✔️ 5. Unsafe public Wi-Fi

Hackers can take advantage of unsecured networks in cafés, airports, or hotels.

In other words: ransomware doesn’t need advanced hacking skills. It relies on people making normal, everyday mistakes.

Why Ransomware is still a problem for most users?

While businesses get hit more often, individuals are still targeted because:

• Many people reuse passwords

• Home devices are often outdated

• Scams are extremely convincing

• Criminals automate attacks

• AI makes fake messages more believable

You don’t have to be “important” to be a target. You just need to be connected to the internet.

What happens if Ransomware hits your computer?

If a home user gets infected:

• Files become unreadable

• A message appears demanding payment

• Your computer might stop working normally

• Criminals may steal personal data

• They might threaten to leak your files online

Some victims lose years of family photos, important documents, and more.

And even if you pay (which experts strongly advise against), there’s no guarantee you’ll get your files back.

How regular users can protect themselves

Never reuse the same password on multiple sites.
if one leaks, criminals try it everywhere.

Tip: Use a password manager — it creates and remembers strong passwords for you.

• What your internet provider knows about you?

• 10 reasons to use VPN to protect your privacy data

Related guides

How Ransomware usually reaches normal users

You don’t need to be tech-savvy to stop 95% of ransomware attempts.
Here are the most effective protections:

1️⃣ Use strong, unique passwords

2️⃣ Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA)

This adds an extra step when logging in. Usually a code is sent to your phone via SMS.
It blocks most unauthorized access.

3️⃣ Keep your phone and computer updated

Updates aren’t just for new features. They patch security holes.

If devices are too old to update, they’re also easier to attack.

4️⃣ Don’t click suspicious links or attachments

If something looks urgent, strange, or unexpected:

• Don’t open it

• Don’t download anything

• Don’t reply

Instead, verify through official websites or apps.

5️⃣ Back up your important files

This is the closest thing to a “ransomware insurance policy.”

Backups can be:

• A cloud service (Google Drive, iCloud, OneDrive, Dropbox)

• An external hard drive

If something goes wrong, backups let you recover everything without paying criminals

6️⃣ Install antivirus or security software

It catches many ransomware attempts before they spread.
Most modern security suites include ransomware protection.

7️⃣ Use a VPN on public Wi-Fi

Cafés, airports, and hotels are hotspots for cybercrime.

A VPN encrypts your traffic and makes you far harder to target.

(NordVPN, Surfshark, and PureVPN all work well for this.)

Spotting Ransomware scams

Here are common warning signs:

🚩 Emails saying “your account is locked - click here to fix it”)
🚩 Attachments you weren’t expecting
🚩 Messages with lots of urgency or fear (“final warning!”)
🚩 Spelling mistakes or weird formatting
🚩 Unknown senders asking you to download something
🚩 Fake delivery notifications
🚩 “Free” downloads of paid content

If something feels off, it probably is.

If you get hit by Ransomware: What should you do?

For home users, here are the correct steps:

1. Turn off Wi-Fi immediately

This prevents the ransomware from spreading.

2. Do NOT pay the ransom

There’s no guarantee you’ll get anything back.

3. Check your backups

If you have cloud or external backups, restoring them solves the problem.

4. Run a reputable antivirus tool

Many security apps can remove the ransomware.

5. Contact someone experienced (if needed)

Many users reach out to:

• a trusted IT friend

• the place they bought the computer

• an online recovery service

But avoid random “repair” companies, many scam victims a second time.

Will criminals come after me again?

If you pay the ransom, possibly yes.

If you don’t, unlikely.

Criminals almost always move on to easier targets.

Your best defense is good digital hygiene and backups.

Ransomware protection is easier than it sounds

You don’t need special skills to protect yourself. Most ransomware attacks succeed because of small mistakes, not because criminals are geniuses.

If you:

• Use strong passwords

• Turn on 2FA (more on 2FA to protect you from being hacked)

• Keep devices updated

• Back up your files

• Stay alert to scams

…you’ll avoid almost every threat that targets normal users.

And if you want extra protection on public Wi-Fi or while traveling, a VPN adds another layer of safety on top.