The FBI’s Pittsburgh office is warning residents of a recent spike in ransomware scams in Western Pennsylvania.

Ransomware is used by hackers to target various organizations. It is software that encrypts files and holds data hostage until the targeted individual or organization pays a ransom. FBI officials say that infected computers usually freeze and display a pop-up message saying that federal law has been violated and a fine must be paid. The messages often appear to be from the FBI or another federal agency.

FBI officials said people and businesses can protect themselves by keeping offline data backups of information.

“The FBI doesn’t support paying a ransom,” said Greg Nelsen, acting special agent in charge. “The best way to protect yourself and your organization is to have a backup of your data, maintain it, and disconnect it from your computer.”

Other tips for businesses and individuals to protect themselves include:

Using an antivirus software and a firewall;

Enable pop-up blockers;

Always back up the content on your computer and maintain offline copies of personal and application data; and

Avoid clicking on emails or attachments you don’t recognize, and avoid suspicious websites altogether.

If you receive a ransomware pop-up or message, the FBI recommends immediately disconnecting from the Internet and filing a complaint at www.IC3.gov.