CHESHIRE Police is warning residents over becoming victims of ransomware, with the UK being one of the world’s most affected countries.

The force is supporting the Get Safe Online campaign which highlights the risks of this form of malicious software, or malware.

Ransomware allows cybercriminals to remotely lock down files on a victim’s computer or mobile device and demand a fee to unlock them – although the device is not always unlocked, even when a ransom is paid.

Individuals can be exposed to ransomware through fraudulent attachments, security vulnerability in software or visiting infected websites.

Tony Neate, CEO of Get Safe Online, said: “These attacks are becoming not only more prominent, but also more personal.

“It’s become easier to store our most personal and sensitive information away on our laptops and mobile phones and, as a result, cybercriminals are approaching us in increasingly targeted and sophisticated ways to encourage us to download malicious software.”

The warning follows a study by Symantec which reveals that cybercriminals are demanding an average of £514 from their victims, while at least 90,000 devices were recently infected in one day by a strain of ransomware called Locky.

Get Safe Online advises web users not to click any links or attachments in mails from unsolicited senders, or from irregular-looking emails by hackers.

The group also advises for software updates and anti-virus software to be installed, while web users should visit only reputable websites and back up important files.

Victims should contact support providers or retailers for assistance, and should report any incidents to Action Fraud.

For more information visit getsafeonline.org.