Malware Encrypts Your Computer and Demands Ransom

Beware of a malware computer program that encrypts all of your computer data and holds it for ransom, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and FBI warn.

Called Cryptolocker, the program locks all of a computer’s data.  In order to unlock the data, the user must pay a ransom demand sent by email to be paid in Bitcoin or some other anonymous payment method.

The program is spread primarily through email and “drive-by” downloads.  The FTC and FBI warn that the email might look like a routine message from a legitimate company, such as a tracking notice from a shipping company.  If the hyperlink is clicked, Cryptolocker encrypts everything on the hard drive and in shared folders.  Shortly thereafter, the ransom demand appears.  The criminals behind the malware say they’ll provide the encryption key if the ransom is paid.  The FTC said there is no other way to unlock the files.

The FTC said the best way to minimize the damage from Cryptolocker is to back up your computer files often.  To avoid “drive-by” downloads of the malware, make sure your computer’s browser security setting is high enough to fight off unauthorized downloads.  Also, be wary of a file with double extensions or files that end in “exe.”