Entries in Cryptolocker (1)

Friday
Sep132013

Cryptolocker is the next big threat

The newest threat is very, very bad.   Cryptolocker has no real fix, here is what wikipedia has to say, 

When CryptoLocker infects a computer it encrypts in place files on the target computer and then displays and ransom message demanding payment within a certain amount of time. Unlike many other strains of ransomware, CryptoLocker is well done and does exactly as it says. The files are securely encrypted and the decryption key is never on the host machine and so can never be decrypted unless the ransom is paid. The files are reliably unencrypted upon payment and the countdown is real, payment can not be made after it expires. There are several different variants, each with a different ransom amount (either 100 or 300 USD) and countdown times (100 or 72 hours).

Removing the virus does not restore the encrypted files and may make it more difficult to pay the random. Most anti-virus software does not catch it until it is to late and the encryption is fully or partially complete.

If that was not depressing enough, check out Microsoft's response, 
That's right, restore from back up is the only option, IF the back up is not corrupted, or pay the ransom and hope that you get it restored.  If you get the infection, or happen to know someone who may have it, please contact me, I would be happy to see if there is anything that I can do.