WRAL Investigates reported Monday that the number of ransomware attacks in NC is increasing significantly, up almost fifty percent year over year, according to a state report. 

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We spoke with Deiker Lozano, the Senior Cybersecurity Engineer at Capitol Broadcasting Company, WRAL’s parent company, to ask about red flags and proactive steps to stay safe.

He explains that a ransomware attack is when a hacker locks a victim’s files, and prevents access to them, until the individual or company makes a ransom payment. 

He says emails from hackers can be convincing, although many have one telltale sign: they fake urgency.

“If you see any emails with something being urgent or something unexpected… they put the human sense of urgency,” he explained. 

Lozano cautioned away from clicking on any links if you do not know who the sender is, or if the link looks suspicious. 

To prevent attacks, Lozano suggested setting up multi-factor authentication on your devices, keeping software up to date, and, most importantly, being vigilant in knowing how common these attacks are.

“Any regular person, any entity, organization… can be a target for a ransomware attack,” he said. “You have to be aware and prepared.”