Ransomware first stated getting noticed around 2007. It grew slowly until 2014 and 2015.  Between 2015 and 2016, the growth sharply increased.  Experts predict that it will get worse in 2017 by about 25%.

Personal computers are not the only targets.  It will be immensely more profitable to attack servers and hold them ransom.  This can be very costly by causing business disruptions.

So–what to do?  Install good anti-malware software and keep it updated,  View unusual or unexpected email with suspicion,  When in doubt, delete it. You can always reply to the sender if you think it might be legit.

let them tell you why they sent it.