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There have been
literally hundreds of articles that have been written describing the CryptoLocker
virus and how dangerous it can be if your computer gets infected. It
has been one of the most talked about Malware topics in years. Just recently
security experts were able to stop at least some of the servers that the virus
authors use to infect your computer. There are still others that are still in
operation but it seems to have at least slowed down the progress of this
horrible virus.
We all knew the day
would come that copy cats would start to try and cash in on this very
profitable scheme. Well, that day has actually arrived. We are now looking at a
new strain of this ransom ware that is written by different authors. The new
Malware is simply called Locker but it promises to do exactly the same thing as
CryptoLocker.
This new virus was just
discovered quite recently and essentially it encrypts your files so that you
are no longer able to access them. In order to get your files back, you will
essentially have to pay a ransom, similar to CryptoLocker. The ransom is less
then the robust amount that CryptoLocker is asking for. The $150.00 almost
seems like a bargain compared to the several hundred-dollar prices that have
been asked from the original vender.
There are a few
differences in the two especially in the way that infection occurs. With the
original CryptoLocker, infection usually occurs from opening an infected e-mail
attachment. Once the e-mail is opened, the program begins its dirty deeds
slowly destroying your precious files. With the new version, infection usually
comes with going to an infected website that harbors the destructive Malware.
These files will often be camouflaged as MP3 files so you might not think
anything of allowing them to download. This is the sneaky tactic that the
crooks use to get the program into your system.
One of the most important
aspects that are known is that this version does not appear to be as
sophisticated as the original. This could be good news as it may be possible
for anti-virus companies to devise a tool so you can get the decryption codes
from the Malware and bypass having to pay the ransom to get your files back.
Like we have mentioned
before, having a full clone of your hard drive stored in an offsite location is
the best defense for this type of Malware. Even if you have a clone on a hard
drive that is attached to your computer your data is not safe with Locker. The
Malware can attack all your attached drives and network computers as well. In
addition, your files located on an online backup site can also be compromised.
You must have a backup in an external location to be completely safe from data
loss.
With the introduction of
this new copycat, I am sure we will start to see many more. My guess is that
some of the copy versions will not be as sophisticated and may allow for more
options other then paying the ransom. If you do get infected and you express
your anger to the authors, I have heard of cases where they will not return
your files back to you even if you pay up the ransom.
The best way to prevent
this new strain is to keep from getting it in the first place. If you practice
safe surfing and keep your anti-virus up to date, you stand a goods chance of
never seeing this nasty Malware on your machine. If you do get the virus, call
a professional first before you pay up as new recovery options may become
available especially with the new strain called Locker.
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This article was written by (Ross Deprey) This link to the personal page for writer On the original site For this article
Article by, Ross Deprey
Owner Of http://www.ComputerGeeksOnline.net/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ross_Deprey
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8192987
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