Here's how to avoid ransomware attacks which have been rising significantly

Payment demands in the attacks can range from the equivalent of hundreds to millions of euro.

Anyone who has been the victim of a ransomware attack should report it to their local garda station immediately. File Picture

The public are being warned to be wary of suspicious emails or text messages following a "significant increase" in the number of ransomware attacks reported to gardaí this year. 

Ransomware is a form of malware in which a person's files and data are encrypted by cybercriminals. The attacker usually gains access through a victim clicking on a hyperlink or file attachment.