If you don’t know what ransomware is, read on. You’re in danger of losing all of the files on your computer. Ransomware is a small piece of criminal software that highjacks your computer by encrypting your files, denying you access to them, and then demands online payment for their release. It’s one of the most shameless forms of cyber extortion, and in some cases, actual blackmail. The threat is very real. If you use email, browse websites, spend time on social networks, connect to local networks (at work, at home, or in public spaces), or use removable USB drives, whether on a desktop, laptop, smartphone or tablet, you are always a click or two away from a ransomware infiltration. Don’t be a victim. Outsmart cyber-criminals with a few simple steps. It’s easy, but only if you know what to look for.

Only for a day, but what a day! Acronis invited Scuderia Toro Rosso’s Team Principal Franz Tost and driver Daniil Kvyat to visit Moscow and spend a day with fans, media, and students. If you weren’t there, here is a short summary of what you missed.

Happy Thanksgiving Americans!  And happy start of holiday seasons to all around the world!  Remember, when all of those new computers and digital photo and video devices you are giving and getting for gifts mix with holiday travel, you are going to need some protection.  Protection for your data and protection for your devices.  Here are nine things to keep in mind:

Having spent more than quarter of a century in IT I have to admit that I am not a Mac user. Like many others, I have other Apple products, but I never used a Mac for a long period of time. My fingers are wired to use a 104-key PC keyboard, not the 78/109 keys of a Mac. I don’t have an idea what the “Command” key is, or what it does. For sure, I am not alone. It’s no surprise that many other IT departments try to avoid doing anything on a Mac. They even go as far as “We do not support Macs” statement I’ve heard so often in many companies.