New Internet virus:
“Ransomware” kidnaps files, holds them hostage for a price
You may have heard about the Internet's newest problem, “Ransomware.” The new hacker scheme is a malicious software code which can be delivered as an email attachment or a website download. If the computer user opens the attachment or downloads the virus, the computer system automatically infects the system's files, (this includes: documents, spreadsheets, and picture files) preventing the user from reading or accessing the computer's contents.
Once the email attachment infects the computer, the victim is sent a ransom note. This is usually done through a pop-up message. To get the files back, the victim is forced to pay the program-kidnapper a ransom, for a decryption code to access the files.
What you can do
Incidents of “ransomware” are extremely
isolated, but it's always good to be aware. To make yourself less
vulnerable to “ransomware,” experts suggest you continue to use your
anti-virus software to scan and update daily. It is also important to be aggressive with
patch management - out of date software is an open target for hackers.
Internet extortion crimes may be reported at www.cybercrime.gov or through NCUA's Fraud Hotline at 1-800-827-9650.
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