An old but still spreading virus has found a new and expensive trick up its sleeve.
According to IBTimes, the CryptoLocker virus has upped the ante for files it scrambles up and locks away on your personal computer. The virus, delivered to one's machine via a fake FedEx or UPS email-based tracking link for a mystery package, is eminently spreadable in the days following Cyber Monday, when millions take to purchasing Christmas presents online for home delivery.
Once a machine is infected with CryptoLocker, it seeks out particularly sensitive or important file directories, and encrypts the information from everyone, including the computer's owner. To get sent a unique key (and get your info back), you have to use an online form to cough up about $300 within 72-100 hours, or watch your data go down the drain.
According to IBTimes, however, some hackers are blocking the original data wipe from happening and providing a second chance to those who've refused to pay the initial ransom. This time around, they're demanding payment of approximately 10 Bitcoin, which with today's rate is somewhere in the vicinity of $12,000. (At the time of IBTime's coverage, it was a tenth of that amount.)
Another reason to ensure your important files are backed up either on the Cloud or at least on an external drive, so you can simply wipe an infected computer and start your online life over.
And stop clicking on those tracking links. Those holiday packages aren't going to get to your doorstep any quicker...
Read the article from Technorati listed blog IBTimes: CryptoLocker Virus: Hackers Offer 'Second Chance' To Recover Files At Five Times Original Ransom
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