This One Simple Trick Could Save Your PC From Ransomware

Does your computer speak Russian?

Image by Author

If a pc running Microsoft Windows has the Russian, Ukrainian, or 15 other former Soviet country languages installed, some ransomware programs will shut themselves down.

Note the keyword: some.

This is not the only ransomware protection needed. Criminals react exceedingly fast. As more individuals utilize this trick, they will remove the limitation.

In the meanwhile, it could save you from the ransomware that is already out in the wild.

To Add a Foreign Language Keyboard:

1. Click the Windows button
2. Select Settings
3. Select Time and Language
4. Click Add Language
5. Select Russian, Ukrainian Georgian, or any of the languages from the former Soviet Union.
6. Click Next
7. Click Install

Image by Author

Image by Author

Thoughts

1. I learned of this from Brian Krebs on Twitter.
2. Will this work on North Korean, Chinese, or XYZ Country-based hackers? Probably not.
3. Why the Russian language? Putin / Siberian prison!
4. What are the other languages? Published by Cybereason, the DarkSide ransomware contained the following exclusion list languages:

Image: Cybereason

What else should be done to prevent ransomware?

1. Install Software updates
2. Enable Windows Defender or install an Antivirus/Antimalware program.
3. Back up your important documents to an external drive or a cloud drive.
4. Do not click links you are unsure of. See my prior post on preventing spam.

Simple Steps to Stop Spam in Seconds

The existence of Russian or certain other language keyboards on Microsoft Windows seems to be a deterrent for some ransomware.