Received this from an IT consultant today...he advises small businesses in internet security.
"Crypto Locker Virus: Hackers Give Users 72 Hours to Pay Ransom for Malware Removal or Lose All Files
PLEASE TAKE THIS WARNING SERIOUSLY!
Do NOT open unexpected emails ?just to see what they are about?
The Crypto Locker virus has been infecting thousands of computers across the world.
The Crypto Locker virus shows a screen after infecting PC users when they open a fake UPS or FedEx email. Once the malware infects the PC it holds every file on a user's computer ransom until they pay the hacker's demands.
All the files on a person's infected computer are cryptographically locked, meaning users are unable to access them until the virus owners release them again. The hacker has been demanding $300 in bitcoins within 72 hours to give people's files back to them.
A ticking clock counts down, showing the time limit that the user has to fulfil the demands.
The writers of this virus have now given a second option ? if you miss the first deadline of 72 hours, there is now a late payment option of $2,000.
The CryptoLocker virus spreads when the fake UPS emails are opened, and users are being warned not to open suspicious UPS emails that appear not to be authentic and are unexpected.
The file installs itself in the "Documents and Settings" folder, scans the hard drive and locks files associated with Microsoft Word and Adobe Photoshop.
A pop-up window with the countdown then pops up, along with details on how to pay the ransom.
If users give in to the hacker's demands and pay the ransom, a key is given to decrypt the files. However, if the ransom is not paid, the files are permanently lost.
The Crypto Locker is one of the dangerous types of malware, known as "Ransomware." If the ransom is paid, the hackers restore and decrypt the files, and return access to the hard drive.
So far, there is no security protection for this virus and users must be wary of opening any suspicious "legitimate-looking" emails.
If you have a backup solution installed, please test your backups are working on a regular basis! If not sure, please contact us so we can check.
If you don?t have a backup solution installed, now is the time!"
"Crypto Locker Virus: Hackers Give Users 72 Hours to Pay Ransom for Malware Removal or Lose All Files
PLEASE TAKE THIS WARNING SERIOUSLY!
Do NOT open unexpected emails ?just to see what they are about?
The Crypto Locker virus has been infecting thousands of computers across the world.
The Crypto Locker virus shows a screen after infecting PC users when they open a fake UPS or FedEx email. Once the malware infects the PC it holds every file on a user's computer ransom until they pay the hacker's demands.
All the files on a person's infected computer are cryptographically locked, meaning users are unable to access them until the virus owners release them again. The hacker has been demanding $300 in bitcoins within 72 hours to give people's files back to them.
A ticking clock counts down, showing the time limit that the user has to fulfil the demands.
The writers of this virus have now given a second option ? if you miss the first deadline of 72 hours, there is now a late payment option of $2,000.
The CryptoLocker virus spreads when the fake UPS emails are opened, and users are being warned not to open suspicious UPS emails that appear not to be authentic and are unexpected.
The file installs itself in the "Documents and Settings" folder, scans the hard drive and locks files associated with Microsoft Word and Adobe Photoshop.
A pop-up window with the countdown then pops up, along with details on how to pay the ransom.
If users give in to the hacker's demands and pay the ransom, a key is given to decrypt the files. However, if the ransom is not paid, the files are permanently lost.
The Crypto Locker is one of the dangerous types of malware, known as "Ransomware." If the ransom is paid, the hackers restore and decrypt the files, and return access to the hard drive.
So far, there is no security protection for this virus and users must be wary of opening any suspicious "legitimate-looking" emails.
If you have a backup solution installed, please test your backups are working on a regular basis! If not sure, please contact us so we can check.
If you don?t have a backup solution installed, now is the time!"
