Ransomware is a type of malware that tries to extort money from you.
CryptoLocker forcing you to pay hundreds of dollars to regain access to
them. Malware is no longer created by teenagers, current malware is now
produced by organized crime.
Ransomware may be more up-front, hook deep into your system. This
malware could be bypassed, malware removal tools or just by reinstalling
Windows.
Unfortunately, Ransomware is becoming more and more sophisticated.
This is the latest examples, CryptoLocker, starts encrypting your
personal files as soon as it gains access to your system, preventing
access to the files without knowing the encryption key. CryptoLocker
then displays a message informing you that your files have been locked
with encryption and that you have just a few days to pay up. If you pay
them $300, they’ll hand you the encryption key and you can recover your
files. You can never be sure that the criminals will keep their end of
the deal.
This type of malware is another good example of why backups are
essential. You should regularly back up files to an external hard drive
or a remote file storage server. If all your copies of your files are on
your computer, malware that infects your computer could encrypt them
all and restrict access or even delete them entirely.
How do you become infected with CryptoLocker
This infection is typically spread through emails sent to company
email addresses that pretend to be customer support related issues from
Fedex, UPS, DHS, etc. These emails would contain a zip attachment that
when opened would infect the computer. These zip files contain
executables that are disguised as PDF files as they have a PDF icon and
are typically named something like FORM_101513.exe or
FORM_101513.pdf.exe. Since Microsoft does not show extensions by
default, they look like normal PDF files and people open them.
Avoid Ransomware
• Use a good antivirus product that will attempt to stop ransomware
in its tracks. Antivirus programs are never perfect and you could be
infected even if you run one, but it’s an important layer of defense.
• Avoid running suspicious files. Ransomware can arrive in .exe files
attached to emails, from illicit websites containing pirated software,
or anywhere else that malware comes from. Be alert and exercise caution
over the files you download and run.
• Keep your software updated. Using an old version of your web
browser, operating system, or a browser plugin can allow malware in
through open security holes. If you have Java installed, you should
probably uninstall it.
CryptoLocker is brutally efficient and smart. It just wants to get
down to business and take your money. Holding your files hostage is an
effective way to prevent removal by antivirus programs after it’s taken
root, but CryptoLocker is much less scary if you have good backups.
Read more...
