Joe -

The Google font virus is a nasty one. With ransomware the virus disrupts the indexing structure of all data files on a device making it impossible to rescue them. It also extends to any other device that is attached like an external hard-drive, backup drive, etc.

There was a case recently where the virus code itself was bad, so that once scrambled, the affected files couldn't be unscrambled even though the ransom had been paid.

Ransomware virues are also spread by emails with attachments. These latter are usually zip or exe files masquerading as financial accounts, orders for goods, or delivery instructions.

The best way to avoid them is not to open any attachment unless the sender has pre-arranged to send somethng. Keep back-up drives off-line. Make regular duplicate back-ups and keep them in different places.

AND NEVER INSTALL ANYTHING THAT YOU HAVE NOT PERSONALLY RESEARCHED &/OR REQUESTED.

This all beggars the issue of Microsoft automatically downloading updates and installing them on a million (billion?) devices without the knowledge or authorization of the owner(s).

Just think if those with terrorist inclinations infiltrated Microsoft and managed to send out and install rogue updates that screwed up 90% of the world's computers and digitial devices.