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MCC Daily Tribune Archive

Ransomware


Today’s most popular drive-by malware is highly sophisticated. It is delivered by a “drive-by” download.  What do I mean by that?  Just visit a compromised website and malware is injected onto your computer without any action on your part.  Ransomware instantly locks the infected computer. Then it displays a message on the screen that looks like it's from the FBI. The bogus message says the user violated federal law by downloading child pornography or illegally using or distributing copyrighted music or video.  A victim is then instructed to pay a $200 fine: and if the demands were not met, criminal charges would be filed and your computer would remain locked on that screen.

If your computer gets infected with this new ransomware, it may be difficult or impossible to open your files. That’s why it’s so important to constantly back-up your data. You need to be prepared for a disaster like this because you may not get a second chance.

Even if you are able to unfreeze your computer on your own, the malware may still operate in the background, capturing account numbers, passwords and other personal information.

If this happens to your home PC, it is best to have a professional look at your PC. If this happens to your work PC, call the tech support line at x TECH (8324).  
 

Donna Pogroszewski
Communications and Network Services
03/27/2013