New virus holds computers hostage

[Jazzy]

Experts are warning about a new kind of computer virus called CryptoLocker. Hackers are hitting systems holding personal information and files for ransom.

It's an old-time crime with a 21st century twist - a virus that holds your computer hostage and demands money to get it back.

"They're holding your computers or your files for ransom, the same way a kidnapper would," explained Geek Brigade president Jon Wright.

Victims of the virus even get a terrifying ticking clock that pops up on the screen, counting down the time left to pay up.

"If you don't pay, your files are gone forever," Wright said.

Experts say CryptoLocker, a new type of ransomware, created by organized criminals overseas, is one of the most dangerous viruses to hit in a long time.

You can literally lose everything - all pictures, videos and documents on your PC. Geek Brigade in Greenwood had two people come in with infected computers just this week.

"We've heard lots of stories of people losing everything," Wright said.

CryptoLocker is spread through phony attachments in emails. Click the link, and you are locked out of your own computer.

"As soon as the user's computer is infected, the virus sets about encrypting their files and all the files that are attached - thumb drives, external hard drives, or even network drives if they're at work," Wright explained.

That's when the taunting begins.

You're given 96 hours to pay $300 and get a "private key", or password, to unlock your files.
No money sent - no data. It's gone for good.

But should you really pay up?

Experts say early on, people still weren't getting their files. Lately, for some, that's changed.

"It's personal preference," Wright said. "Recent reports are that people who've paid are getting their files back, but then of course, you've still now given your information to a criminal."

They're criminals demanding cash in a high-tech hold up that's just as threatening as the real thing.

Source

So how do you protect yourself from this happening to you?

 

[Kirito]

Don't open emails from ppl you don't know. TBH it's very easy to spot phony emails. Also, always download software from the developers website, no third party links. Don't go searching for stuff on dodgy websites and if you wanna download with torrents wait till some ppl have commented that it's safe. If there's a virus in there, you'll get warned soon enough.

 

[Jazzy]

Pretty much Computer 101:

Never open attachments when you don't recognize the sender

Back up your files!

Make sure you have a real-time anti-virus running

If you were to get this ticking clock pop up, unplug your computer before the virus can take hold

That's my two cents worth.

 

[ShibuyaShadow]

I heard about this. Yeah, I better backup my files. Too bad I think my dad's Carbonite account is 1 PC only.

 

[Nebulous's iconNebulous]

Hmm, my computer and the stuff on it isnt really that important to me. I'd probably just go buy another one if I was in this situation. Hopefully it doesnt though.

 

[Kirito]

Hmm, my computer and the stuff on it isnt really that important to me. I'd probably just go buy another one if I was in this situation. Hopefully it doesnt though.

You could just format your hard drive instead of buying a whole new computer.

 

[Nebulous's iconNebulous]

Hmm, my computer and the stuff on it isnt really that important to me. I'd probably just go buy another one if I was in this situation. Hopefully it doesnt though.

You could just format your hard drive instead of buying a whole new computer.

Sometimes that is easier said than done!

 

[Bjornar]

This would be scary as shit! I don't know if i would pay or not