\t\t\t\tAnother cautionary tale regarding email links.<\/p>\n
Updated: Oct 26, 2013 2:10 PM EDT<\/p>\n
By Jennie Runevitch-INDIANAPOLIS –<\/p>\n
Experts are warning about a new kind of computer virus called CryptoLocker. Hackers are hitting systems holding personal information and files for ransom.<\/p>\n
It’s an old-time crime with a 21st century twist – a virus that holds your computer hostage and demands money to get it back.<\/p>\n
“They’re holding your computers or your files for ransom, the same way a kidnapper would,” explained Geek Brigade president Jon Wright.<\/p>\n
Victims of the virus even get a terrifying ticking clock that pops up on the screen, counting down the time left to pay up.<\/p>\n
“If you don’t pay, your files are gone forever,” Wright said.<\/p>\n
Experts say CryptoLocker, a new type of ransomware, created by organized criminals overseas, is one of the most dangerous viruses to hit in a long time.<\/p>\n
You can literally lose everything – all pictures, videos and documents on your PC. Geek Brigade in Greenwood had two people come in with infected computers just this week.<\/p>\n
“We’ve heard lots of stories of people losing everything,” Wright said.<\/p>\n
CryptoLocker is spread through phony attachments in emails.<\/p>\n
The latest attachments have said “here’s my resume” or “scan from Xerox work center”, so it looks like someone from the office sent them.<\/p>\n
But click the link, and you are locked out of your own computer.<\/p>\n
“As soon as the user’s computer is infected, the virus sets about encrypting their files and all the files that are attached – thumb drives, external hard drives, or even network drives if they’re at work,” Wright explained.<\/p>\n
That’s when the taunting begins.<\/p>\n
You’re given 96 hours to pay $300 and get a “private key”, or password, to unlock your files.<\/p>\n
No money sent – no data. It’s gone for good.<\/p>\n
But should you really pay up?<\/p>\n
Experts say early on, people still weren’t getting their files. Lately, for some, that’s changed.<\/p>\n
“It’s personal preference,” Wright said. “Recent reports are that people who’ve paid are getting their files back, but then of course, you’ve still now given your information to a criminal.”<\/p>\n
They’re criminals demanding cash in a high-tech hold up that’s just as threatening as the real thing.<\/p>\n
So how do you protect yourself?<\/p>\n
Experts say never open an attachment you don’t recognize or you weren’t expecting.<\/p>\n
Back up all your data off-site on a regular basis. An external hard drive that’s connected to your computer would be wiped out with this virus.<\/p>\n
Also, get good anti-virus protection that runs in real time. Those have stopped CryptoLocker from hacking in.<\/p>\n
If CrytptoLocker does hit, and you notice it right away, Wright says to unplug your computer immediately, before the virus gets chance to run completely.<\/p>\n
Then take it to a repair shop. That might save your data before it’s too late.<\/p>\n
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