Ransomware Alert !
Ransomware
There is a scam going around right now and it has been going around for a long time known as Ransomware. Let's hope that you have been able to avoid this messy little bug it will infect your computer and your smartphone.
Ransomware is a type of virus that will lock up specific secret files in your computer or device and only the hacker that put it there is able to remove it for you.
The FBI is warning computer and smartphone users of increasing occurrences in the U.S.A.
CryptoLocker and CryptoWall, are thought to have bilked millions of and CryptoWall, Have been used to steal $millions of dollars from computer and smartphone users in Japan, Australia, and many other countries.
Websense internet security says they have detected more than 2 million intrusions of CryptoLocker in more than 60% of computers in use in Australia.
The newer version of the virus going around the world now is using References to The television show Breaking Bad to attack computers worldwide, according to Symantec.
These nasty little Ransomware viruses go through your files and without your knowledge attach themselves and encrypts the file using 256 bit AES encryption. The only way to decrypt the files is with the code that is held by the scammer/hacker and that will cost you $money$
For your information: blog.smartbear.com/security/learn-aes256-on-your-lunch-break
This type of Ransomware will attach to children's photos, wedding video, financial spreadsheets of your small business, word files, and generally user-generated content most of which is personal in detail.
To get your files back, you will look at paying $300 to $600. The price isn't too high so that you will not just abandon the files. This price is the same everywhere otherwise the hacker/scammer would overprice and people would just refuse to pay.
How do I Get my files Back you ask?
The hackers will let you use prepaid credit cards or bitcoins, money transfers like Western Union or Moneygram.
The scammers do not care who gets infected by the virus as long as they get paid to remove the Ransomware. Let's face it it's a business for the hackers to remove the virus so in good faith they usually do.
The way to avoid this scam is to back up your computer files to a secure data storage device or system backup or data discs or portable hard drives.
Source Material: voanews.com/content/fbi-warns-ransomware-scams-on-the-rise/2775731.html
http://jobsover50.ca/free-internet-security-review/
Recent Comments
12
Thanks for the heads up. Often, I am limited by using a chrome book and an amazon phone but I have to say it is annoyance, scamware, virus free.
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Thank you for this warning very much!