I just got a scary email threatening to destroy all of my information — even naked pics on my computer. The email demanded I send payment in Bitcoins. What should I do?
— A reader in Oregon
I can imagine the sinking feeling when you got that email. The good news is these are pretty common scare tactics. So, just ignore the message.
That’s why you always need to have a backup. When you have a copy of your files and important stuff, if someone threatens to destroy them, you can tell ’em to pound sand.
You should back up your data with the 3-2-1 backup rule to be safe. Keep three copies of your important files — two on different storage media and one in an offsite location. I break it all down in my handy backup guide.
Finally, about the naked pics on your PC, use this trick to protect any, well, saucy photos and videos.