I have an alert on my screen from the Police saying my files are encrypted/my computer has been blocked, and that I need to pay a fine to have my computer unencrypted/unblocked. What should I do?

I have an alert on my screen from the Police saying my files are encrypted/my computer has been blocked, and that I need to pay a fine to have my computer unencrypted/unblocked. What should I do?

Do not pay any money. These schemes often ask you to use a legitimate company, such as Ukash, to pay the fine, however this is not from the Police or any other law enforcement agency. This is caused by a type of malware (malicious software) called Ransomware.

Please visit Netsafe’s Security Central website for more information on scams and removal instructions for Ransomware.