Cryptolocker - Thriving Online Menace For Years to Come?
Believe it or not, the answer to the headline rests with each and everyone of us - the good folks. How serious is this menace? Pretty serious and very sophisticated in its search for victims. Read on to learn more about this deadly online threat.
Cryptolocker is a malicious computer program (also known as Malware, Trojan or Trojan Horse) that was designed by cybercriminals to scan and encrypt (scramble) the files on infected computers. If your computer becomes infected, you cannot use the scrambled files at all until they are unscrambled. Your computer may become infected simply by opening a fake attachment from a spoof email (email made to look like its coming from a well-known business, eg. your bank)
After infection, Cryptolocker will display a screen with a ransom demand which typically threatens to destroy the key required to unscramble files within 96 hours unless a ransom is paid. It is recommended that VICTIMS OF THIS TROJAN NOT TO PAY THE RANSOM. Payment encourages the criminals to continue preying on us and there is no guarantee that the affected files will be unscrambled after payment anyway.
HOW DO YOU AVOID BECOMING A VICTIM?
The following measures will help to prevent you from becoming a victim:
- Learn all you can about the best practices to protect your personal information, websites and computer systems resources
- Do not open unsolicited emails and attachments, even from well-known sources. The emails used to spread Cryptolocker typically ask for clarification about attached fictitious statements or invoices. When in doubt, contact the organization directly via a verified telephone number, or via its official website. DO NOT CLICK ON ANY LINKS WITHIN THE EMAIL. Delete emails that cannot be verified.
- Always backup your computer files regularly
- Ensure your antivirus protection is suitable for your computing needs and is always up-to-date
Let's starve these criminal of funds so that they will put their skills to good use!
To learn more about the Cryptolocker menace and how to recover files affected by this threat, please click on link below.
http://www.symantec.com/connect/blogs/cryptolocker-qa-menace-year
Recent Comments
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Thanks for the heads up! Sad they do not take their skills to better the world of technology, instead of being led by greed!
The feeling is mutual, I followed you because of your knowledge and willingness to share. I hope we bring great things each others way!
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Thanks for the information
You are welcome Scorpio15. One of the the ways to stop these predators is to spread the word so we are all aware.