SINGAPORE - There has been a noticeable rise in ransomware infections in both Singapore and overseas, the Singapore Computer Emergency Response Team (SingCert) said in an advisory on Friday evening (May 6).

Ransomware is a type of malware that holds a victim's files, computer system or mobile device "hostage", restricting access until a ransom is paid.

Operating systems that can be infected include Windows, Mac OS X and Linux.

SingCert said the more prevalent type of ransomware today encrypts commonly used files, such as user documents, images, audio and video files.

Once the files in an infected computer have been encrypted, a ransom note will be displayed on screen to the victim, detailing the steps that need to be taken to decrypt the files.

To safeguard against ransomware, SingCert recommends users exercise caution and avoid opening suspicious e-mail attachments or links to websites that you do not recognise or are sent from people you do not know.

It also encourages users to update their anti-virus software regularly and perform frequent file back-ups.

Read SingCert's full advisory here.

Victims of ransomware can lodge a police report at any Neighbourhood Police Centre or Post or via the Electronic Police Centre website.

All information provided will be kept strictly confidential.