User Manual

22. SAFE FILES
Ransomware is a malicious software that attacks vulnerable systems by
locking them, and asks for money to let the user take back the control of his
system. This malicious software acts intelligent by displaying false messages
to panic the user, urging him to proceed with the asked payment.
The infection can be spread via spam emails, by downloading attachments,
or by visiting infected websites and installing malicious apps without letting
the user know what is happening on his system.
Ransomware can have one of the following behaviors preventing the user
from accessing his system:
● Encrypts sensitive and personal files without giving the possibility of
decryption until a ransom is paid by the victim.
● Locks the computer’s screen and displays a message asking for money.
In this case, no file is encrypted, only the user is forced to proceed with
the payment.
● Blocks apps from running.
With Bitdefender Safe Files you can keep protected from ransomware attacks
personal files, such as documents, photos or movies.
Note
Advanced Threat Defense and Safe Files are two layers of protection against
ransomware. Advanced Threat Defense is the feature that stops ransomware
attacks in their tracks to your system's critical areas, while Safe Files makes
sure no important file on your computer gets encrypted.
22.1. Turning on or off Safe Files
To turn on or off the Safe Files feature:
1. Click Protection on the navigation menu on the Bitdefender interface.
2. In the SAFE FILES pane, turn on or off the switch.
Each time an app will try to access one of the protected file, a Bitdefender
pop-up is displayed. You can allow or block the access.
Note
The Safe Files feature is not enabled by default.
Safe Files 128
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