Your Computer Data Has Been Hijacked!
It sounds like a Hollywood movie but the reality is that the data in your computer is
being threatened by a new Trojan that encrypts your files (documents, music,
pictures, etc.) and then presents you with a window asking for a ransom ($10.99) in
order to return your files or else they will be destroyed one by one.
"If you want to see your files again, do not contact the police. Send a check via
Western Union to have the files decrypted Otherwise, once every 30 minutes one
item will be deleted until the ransom is paid in full." That's quite dramatic but not far
from the truth.
Lately, many computer users are picking up a Trojan that supposedly encrypts
computer files on an infected computer and deletes the originals. If the ransom is
not paid, users are being extorted for cash. What should you do if this happens to
you. Well, I'm glad you asked.
This new code, dubbed Ransom.A, is nothing more than a bluff. Where as the
existence of ransomware is quite real and it has been around for some time, this
particular piece of code is not the real McCoy; it is fake. Malware writers seem to be
experimenting with this new concept and exploiting the media to attract attention to
their scheme and scare people into simply paying up.
What's our advice? Do not pay up! No matter what, if your computer has been
infected contact a professional to clean up your files and restore the proper function
of your computer. And for goodness sake, stay away from websites that are not
reputable and never click OK to any download unless you know what you are doing.
In addition, upgrade your browser from the antiquated technology of Internet Explorer
to Mozilla Firefox. Particularly, if you are using Windows XP or an earlier version of
Windows, you should stay away from Internet Explorer (IE). For more on Firefox,
read our article on the secure features and benefits of using this free Mozilla product.
One final comment, you are using an Apple computer, such as an iMac, or a
Powerbook, you already know that you are safe. Still, download your version of
Firefox, it performs better than Safari.
For more How-To Articles click here.
© Copyright 2007 by Victor M. Reyes-Prieto, LineX Computer Associates. All Rights Reserved.
It sounds like a Hollywood movie but the reality is that the data in your computer is
being threatened by a new Trojan that encrypts your files (documents, music,
pictures, etc.) and then presents you with a window asking for a ransom ($10.99) in
order to return your files or else they will be destroyed one by one.
"If you want to see your files again, do not contact the police. Send a check via
Western Union to have the files decrypted Otherwise, once every 30 minutes one
item will be deleted until the ransom is paid in full." That's quite dramatic but not far
from the truth.
Lately, many computer users are picking up a Trojan that supposedly encrypts
computer files on an infected computer and deletes the originals. If the ransom is
not paid, users are being extorted for cash. What should you do if this happens to
you. Well, I'm glad you asked.
This new code, dubbed Ransom.A, is nothing more than a bluff. Where as the
existence of ransomware is quite real and it has been around for some time, this
particular piece of code is not the real McCoy; it is fake. Malware writers seem to be
experimenting with this new concept and exploiting the media to attract attention to
their scheme and scare people into simply paying up.
What's our advice? Do not pay up! No matter what, if your computer has been
infected contact a professional to clean up your files and restore the proper function
of your computer. And for goodness sake, stay away from websites that are not
reputable and never click OK to any download unless you know what you are doing.
In addition, upgrade your browser from the antiquated technology of Internet Explorer
to Mozilla Firefox. Particularly, if you are using Windows XP or an earlier version of
Windows, you should stay away from Internet Explorer (IE). For more on Firefox,
read our article on the secure features and benefits of using this free Mozilla product.
One final comment, you are using an Apple computer, such as an iMac, or a
Powerbook, you already know that you are safe. Still, download your version of
Firefox, it performs better than Safari.
For more How-To Articles click here.
© Copyright 2007 by Victor M. Reyes-Prieto, LineX Computer Associates. All Rights Reserved.
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