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Virus That Encrypts File and Asks Ransom Infects 250,000 PCs!

Virus That Encrypts File and Asks Ransom Infects 250,000 PCs!

Cryptolocker an dangerous virus that encrypts and digitally locks your file and then asks ransom to release the files has now infected over 250,000 Windows PCs globally.

This dangerous ransomware is causing quite a chaos as it threatens the infected user with a countdown timer after which it says it will permanently destroy the software.

Dell Secureworks said that the US and UK had been worst affected.

It added that the cyber-criminals responsible were now targeting home internet users after initially focusing on professionals.

The firm has provided a list of net domains that it suspects have been used to spread the code, but warned that more are being generated every day.

Ransomware has existed since at least 1989, but this latest example is particularly problematic because of the way it makes files inaccessible.

“Instead of using a custom cryptographic implementation like many other malware families, Cryptolocker uses strong third-party certified cryptography offered by Microsoft’s CryptoAPI,” said the report.

“By using a sound implementation and following best practices, the malware authors have created a robust program that is difficult to circumvent.”

Watch out guys, stay safe.

Source: BBC News

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