We all know what ransomware is — a type of malware that threatens to publish a victim’s data or permanently block access to it unless a ransom is paid. In most cases, ransomware encrypts the user’s files, and only after payment is made will a decryption key be provided to restore access.

One way to avoid paying a ransom is to restore data from a recent backup. If a company configures its backup software to run nightly, this can be an effective way to recover original files after an attack.

However, there is an even simpler preventative measure: making your PC appear “friendly.” A friendly PC is one that ransomware identifies as a system it should not infect.

To create a friendly PC, use the Windows language settings to install the Russian keyboard layout. When this language option is enabled, most ransomware software will recognize the system as one it should avoid and will not execute the attack.

This language feature is available in Windows 10 and Windows 10 Pro. We do not believe the language option is available in the Windows 10 Home edition.

Learn more about ransomware on Wikipedia.