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Cryptolocker - New wave of ransomware

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  • 18-10-2013 4:19am
    #1
    nagilum2
    Registered Users Posts: 319 ✭✭


    I saw this on a number of the hacker forums today:

    You’re infected—if you want to see your data again, pay us $300 in Bitcoins:
    http://arstechnica.com/security/2013/10/youre-infected-if-you-want-to-see-your-data-again-pay-us-300-in-bitcoins/


    This is an incredibly malicious attack that seems to be immune to many OTS virus scanners. It encrypts all user data so it doesn't need administrative rights. Additionally ANY cloud based backup systems that the user might be actively connected to will have data THERE encrypted too. It then demands a ransom (three hundred euro or dollar, or 2 Bitcoin) to unlock everything. And they have figured out that by actually doing the decryption upon payment, more people are likely to pay.

    It seems like this could be the beginning of a new wave of ransomware, especially coupled with pseudo-anonymous and irreversible payments through Bitcoin.


Comments

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    #2
    fryup
    Registered Users Posts: 18,069 ✭✭✭✭fryup


    what is bitcoin?? in laymens terms


  • Options
    #3
    nagilum2
    Registered Users Posts: 319 ✭✭nagilum2


    fryup wrote: »
    what is bitcoin?? in laymens terms

    It's a cryptographic peer-to-peer digital currency. It's mathematically limited in quantity and not centrally controlled by any government or corporation. It allows for transactions with almost no cost across in a pseudo-anonymous fashion.

    TL:DR - Sort of like digital cash but without any sovereign entity backing it up

    If your interested, you might want to check this out:
    https://en.bitcoin.it/wiki/Main_Page


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    #4
    pauleoin
    Registered Users Posts: 264 ✭✭pauleoin


    Found this free programme called CryptoPrevent on another forum which should protect against the Cryptolock exploit.

    Website called foolish it.com. You will need to remove the space between the h and i as Boards automatically filters our obsene words and won't let me post the full website name or link

    Further information on how Crytolock works is given on this site:

    http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/virus-removal/cryptolocker-ransomware-information


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