A new malware spreading around the Internet in recent months holds every file on a computer for ransom. Unless the user pays $300 in bitcoins to the hacker responsible for the infection within 100 hours, the hacker threatens to forever deny the user access to his or her files. The malware, which is known as CryptoLocker, is not just an empty threat. If the hackers demands aren’t met, the computer files get cryptographically locked, making it almost impossible to access them. A ticking clock showing the time limit makes CryptoLocker just a bit more terrifying. CryptoLocker is spread through phony emails designed to look like theyre from legitimate businesses and fake FedEx and UPS tracking notifications. Once opened, CryptoLocker installs itself in the “Documents and Settings” folder, scans the hard drive and encrypts certain file types, including documents associated with Microsoft Word and Adobe Photoshop. CryptoLocker then launches a pop-up window with the 100-hour countdown and provides details on how to pay the ransom. Stacy Miller
Posted on: Wed, 23 Oct 2013 14:45:06 +0000
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