Ransomware is nothing new. It has been around for years but it has been getting more and more sophisticated over the years. The latest flavor was known as Crypto Locker. This nasty piece of software was able to encrypt most of your important files and unless you had a full off-site backup your files were at the mercy of the hackers. Many folks actually paid the ransom because they failed to back up their important files.
Today, ransomware is taking on a whole new look. The hackers have listened to your requests and now are offering a user-friendly interface to make it easier for the victims to pay. The latest version actually explains to the user how to use the preferred payment method (Bitcoins) and even gives you 24 hours before the price goes up to rescue your data. We never encourage anyone to pay to get his or her data decrypted and that is why we always stress how important it is to keep an offsite backup of your system on a separate hardrive.
It is important to note that this new variant uses a very similar system to the original Crypto-Locker. Not only can this virus affect your local file, it can affect every single networked device attached to your network as well as online backups.
The name of this new variant is called CoinVault. One of the differences is the price. According to sources, the initial ransom is 200.00 instead of the 500.00 that were being charged by its predecessor. In fact they actually let you decode one of your files for free. I am assuming this is to demonstrate that if you pay the ransom you will actually get your files back.
Before ever making a decision to get your files back, you must remember that you are not dealing with a business you are dealing with criminals. If you have your backup, you will not have to deal with these crooks.
Avoiding this ransomware is the best defense against ever having to deal with it. Avoiding this menace is not all that hard. All you need is common sense and good Internet protocol. The main way that this pest is transmitted is through attachments and adult websites. The most common attachment is one that says an item that has been shipped will arrive soon and they claim that the tracking information is in the attachment. If you actually did ship a package, always go directly to the UPS or Fed Ex website and use their website for tracking your package. They will never send you an attachment telling you that your tracking information is enclosed.
If you navigate to any questionable websites, now is the time to stop. Adult and celebrity searches are the most dangerous places to visit on the Internet. It does not matter what operating system you use eventually you will get infected. This will probably happen sooner rather then later. If you are careful where you go, avoid opening attachments and keep an offsite backup of your system on a separate hardrive, you will be ready for whatever disaster might come your way.
From, Tech Joe Z
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