
With the philosophy of 'blocking everything', it can theoretically block ransomware when trying to access and encrypt files inside.Īnti Ransomware with Controlled Folder Access Windows 10Ĭlick the Start button and type Windows Defender Security Center and click. You can do this by going to “allow an app through Controlled folder access.”Ĭomments can be sent via direct message to “twitter.Since updating Windows 10 Fall Creators Update, the protection feature of the Controlled Folder Access folder that Microsoft introduced since June has officially reached millions of users.Īs its name suggests, this feature allows users to control access to certain directories. Use the Controlled Folder Access for whitelisting apps. *White list: the goal of ransomware protection in Windows is to block suspicious software but if an app is blocked that you know is safe, Microsoft gives you the option to build a white list. “While Windows Defender has improved considerably over the years, there are several key areas where it is still largely susceptible to attacks, as we have found during our repeated testing on The PC Security Channel,” Leo, who is the founder of the PC Security Channel, told me in email.

Back up your files, then disconnect the storage device.Īnother piece of advice is to separate work and personal devices, says Unit 42 of Palo Alto Networks, a cybersecurity firm. While attackers tend to target corporations, schools, and hospitals, “we may see consumers who are working from home and doing their shopping on their work devices get targeted by attackers,” Unit 42 said.

It’s strongly suggested by cybersecurity professionals that you use a a cloud-based file hosting service with automatic backup, such as Microsoft’s OneDrive, so you’re regularly backing up files.Īnother good defense is a so-called “air gap” strategy where the external storage device is completely disconnected (i.e., offline) from your computer and the internet.
