Warning about Ransomware Viruses

Ransomware is a type of malware (malicious software) that can restrict access to files. The reason it is called ransomware is because the creators of this type of malware demand a ransom paid to them to remove the restrictions on the infected files. Ransomware will encrypt files and display messages saying that they have been locked and coax the user into paying.

While this is a serious issue to have files being locked out, it is important not to give into the coax as it is not guaranteed the creator of the ransomware will unlock the file for you and the virus will still be on your computer. The importance of backing up your files are now even greater that this type of malware has been coming to the surface since late 2012.

One of the most notorious types of ransomware is the CryptoLocker virus. This has been spreading since late 2013 and has affected many within then and now. The CryptoLocker virus can easily get onto your computer via a fraudulent e-mail containing an attachment. The attachment could be, but not limited to, a zip file which contains another file that runs the installation of the malware upon opening.

Two major examples of these fraudulent e-mails are Australia Post ‘failed parcel delivery notices’, and the Office of State Revenue regarding ‘unpaid speeding fines’. While these are two of the bigger examples, there are numerous different e-mails that could have this virus attached or others.