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Thursday at 6: How scammers use ransomware to seize your data

It's extortion! And I'm surprised at how common and WIDESPREAD it is! We're talking about ransomware. Have you ever heard of it? A new victim is hit every 40 seconds!

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It's extortion! And I'm surprised at how common and WIDESPREAD it is!

We’re talking about ransomware. Have you ever heard of it? A new victim is hit every 40 seconds!

In an instant, it can lock your computer and even your phone. And in that same instant, all of your files – pictures, private documents, personal information – are gone.

To get them back, hackers demand you pay ransom. The amounts are often hundreds of dollars!

One hacker got a hold of someone's phone and threatened to sell his information every 30 minutes if the ransom wasn't paid.

Join me Thursday at 6 p.m. on WRAL: I’ll show you how hackers set the traps and how you can keep from paying the ransom.

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