Have you heard of the form of malware that encrypts your
data and literally holds it for ransom?
This malicious software is capable of
withholding your personal information taken from your computer until you pay the
writer the ransom they ask for.
This type of malware is not new. In fact it started in 1989
and instructed users to send $378 to an address in Panama in order to get their files back. Fortunately for the users, the perpetrator coded all of his attacks
the same and helped track his activity and create ways to stop it.
The new form of this software that has surfaced,
“CryptoLocker” has not made the same mistakes and is hard to crack once
triggered.
CryptoLocker takes random hacking to a new level. The software
is so discrete you most likely wont even notice it during the process. It could
be swiping your business files, personal photos, and vital emails.
CryptoLocker currently only affects PC’s and can be removed
with antivirus software but unfortunately its effects cannot.
Source:http://www.theguardian.com/money/2013/oct/19/cryptolocker-attacks-computer-ransomeware
What can you do to prevent “CryptoLocker”? I found 10 ways to beat it on this website: http://www.theguardian.com/money/2013/oct/19/10-ways-beat-cryptolocker-protect-files
ReplyDeleteI understand this effects mainly PCs. I have a Apple laptop. What similar viruses would effect a computer like mine?
Michelle, these type of viruses are most likely found on PC's. Apple products like the laptop you own is less likely to get viruses, but unfortunately no computer system is immune to computer viruses (at least not yet). Due to the difference between the Mac OSX operating system and a Windows operating system, most hackers would rather write a virus code that effects the largest amount of computers, which in the past has usually been PC's.
DeleteThis is very interesting! I think we can apply here some of the rules that the privacy team presented us for avoiding these type of events.
ReplyDeleteI have definitely crashed my computer before by opening files that had bugs and viruses in them, but I have never ever heard of people using things like this to take your files and hold them for ransom! That to me is just crazy! Knowing this now, I definitely feel like I should be using other devices to back up my files, and not totally rely on my computer to be doing it. It also makes me even that much more cautious when using the internet and what sites I visit and files I download or open. I guess I didn't realize it took more than just having spyware and things on my computer to keep me safe. I probably rely on that way to much!
ReplyDeleteCurrently my laptop has been acting funny. Most of the time I cant connect to the Internet or even open Microsoft word properly. Honestly I think it might be from me not having any protection on my laptop. Is some sort of protection mandatory, and if so which one is the best?
ReplyDeleteYou can find the ranking of best antivirus programs and their prices here:
Deletehttp://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2372364,00.asp
Triet Pham
I would definitely get some sort of protection for your laptop. There are many different types of antivirus software with a wide variety of prices based on the level of protection. You can start with a basic software program that will scan your laptop for viruses and warn you of any suspicious activity.
ReplyDeleteIn situations where the infection prevents a client from running a sweep, one must re-boot their framework in 'Protected Mode'. Much of the time an infection can't hurt the framework when it is in protected mode.https://how-to-remove.org/malware/browser-hijacker-removal/remove-yourconnectivity-net-hijacker/
ReplyDelete