and access various distribution channels like spam botnets or exploit kits. After that, the attackers employ various attack methods to distribute the malware and infect computers. And upon infection, they extort money from the victims.

Is TeslaCrypt the same as CryptoLocker?

Though TeslaCrypt resembles CryptoLocker in function, TeslaCrypt is quite different from CryptoLocker. TeslaCrypt shares no code with CryptoLocker, and it is developed quite independently. So, TeslaCrypt is not the same as CryptoLocker.

How to prevent the TeslaCrypt ransomware?

TeslaCrypt decryption key is already published. So, if you are already affected by TeslaCrypt, you can retrieve your files using the key.

However, we can always take a couple of steps to safeguard ourselves from any ransomware like the TeslaCrypt ransomware:

• Do not open email attachments if you are not very sure of the sender of the email.
• Do not click on suspicious links.
• Download software only from a trusted source.
• Keep your computer updated with recent anti-malware programs from some trusted sources.
• Update commonly used software with recent security patches. Most of the time, attackers infect a computer with malware by exploiting security vulnerabilities of commonly used software on the computer.
• Take regular backups of your important files.
• And, if you are infected with any ransomware, never ever pay ransom to the attackers. Instead, look for some good anti-malware programs to remove the ransomware or take regular backups of your data and retrieve the data from a backup. Extorting money from the victims is the main motivation of the attackers behind these attacks. So, paying the ransom to them will only make the problem worse. And, paying the ransom, in no way, guarantees that the victim will get back his important files. Attackers may simply disappear with the money.

I hope this helps. Interested readers who want to know more about how different malware and cyberattacks work and how we can prevent them may want to refer to the book “A Guide To Cyber Security.”