Malicious Ransomware Holds Computer Data to Ransom : There are many types of malware, but some of the most damaging to your system files and personal data is Ransomware.
The Ransom Attack
Ransomware – is malicious software that locks you out of your computer, they are sometimes known as a screen locker or winlocker, and some variants can even encrypt the victim’s entire data on that computer, these are call cryptolocker, cryptowall and cryptographer. The remove process on these are not that difficult, but it’s decryption of your data which is the difficult part. The victim that has been hit but this type of ransom is then informed that when they pay the ransom fee which differs from ransom to ransom, they will be sent a code to release their personal data from the encryption.
So in a nutshell, your data files get encrypted, and some cyber criminal has the decryption key.
Now this type of ransomware will encrypt data on mapped network drives, dropbox, and external devices like hard drives. So as you can see, it’s a nasty malware infection to get on your system. Now it does not matter what country you’re from, the ransom image will simulate your police force. Example of UK version below. Other country versions are also displayed below.
So should you pay the ransom? NO, never pay these cyber criminals any money. The money they receive is used for other more serious crime and you will be help to contribute to them crimes.
Countries that have been affected by these cyber criminals are list below.
Austria, Australia, Belgium, Bolivia, Canada, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Germany, Ecuador, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States
Below is a screen shot of CTB Locker, Critroni Ransomware and Cryptolocker, these type are the data encryption ransomware.
The payment method these ransomware have used over the years have been Ukash, Paysafecard, Moneypak, Epay or Bitcoin.
It makes it very hard to track these criminals when they use these payment methods.
The Removal
How to boot computer from rescue disk with Kaspersky WindowsUnlocker
[youtuber youtube=’https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALgl1C7DYI4′]
You can always check out some of my other ransomware removal videos and articles
The Decryption
CTB Locker and Critroni Ransomware Information Guide and FAQ
The Defense
1. CryptoPrevent, a utility from Nick Shaw, CEO and developer of Foolish IT
2. Backup your data: If you back up on a regular basis, you can simply restore data if your attacked by any type of malware. Make sure you keep backup of data and store it separate from the computer your using, its always good to have more than one backup.
3. Be careful what you click on: Don’t click links in emails, Do not open email attachments, Only download programs from a reputable source .
4. Secure your computer: Layered security is so important now days, 1. Antivirus, 1 real-time scanner, 1 on demand scanner, 1 firewall (example: Avast, Malwarebytes Pro, HitmanPro, CryptoPrevent, Comodo Firewall) Winpatrol is another great program to monitor changes to computer and registry.
5. Keep computer up-to-date: Keep Windows up to date and make sure all programs are updated, this should keep safe.
That’s it, surf safe and happy computing. If you found this helpful, please share with friends and family.
