When that process is complete, however, the malware will display a pop-up message similar to the one pictured above, complete with a countdown timer that gives victims a short window of time in which to decide whether to pay the ransom or lose access to the files forever.įortunately, there are a couple of simple and free tools that system administrators and regular home users can use to minimize the threat from CryptoLocker malware. Unfortunately, if your backup drives are connected physically or via the local network to the PC that gets infected with CryptoLocker, your backups may also be encrypted as well.Ĭomputers infected with CryptoLocker may initially show no outward signs of infection this is because it often takes many hours for the malware to encrypt all of the files on the victim’s PC and attached or networked drives. For years, security experts have emphasized the importance of backing up one’s files as a hedge against disaster in the wake of a malware infestation. This sort of diabolical threat has been around in various incarnations for years, but it seems to have intensified in recent months. The real bummer is that all of your important files - pictures, documents, movies, MP3s - will remain scrambled with virtually unbreakable encryption unless and until you pay the ransom demand, which can range from $100 to $300 (and payable only in Bitcoins).įile-encrypting malware is hardly new. The trouble with CryptoLocker is not so much in removing the malware - that process appears to be surprisingly trivial in most cases.
Image: Īccording to reports from security firms, CryptoLocker is most often spread through booby-trapped email attachments, but the malware also can be deployed by hacked and malicious Web sites by exploiting outdated browser plugins. A CryptoLocker prompt and countdown clock.
0 kommentar(er)
