Week 11 Blog

CryptoLocker

        New types of malware are being unleashed practically every day. In fact, CryptoLocker, a new type of malware was recently unleashed. "CryptoLocker, [is] a new and nasty piece of malicious software is infecting computers around the world – encrypting important files and demanding a ransom to unlock them" (Weisbaum, 2013). Malware that demands ransom has to be the most hilarious form of malware. The hacker is not only smart enough to break into something that belongs to someone else but then they get cocky and decide that now they deserve to be paid for their disruption. That is just really funny to me. I mean of course it totally sucks if you are the "victim" but if you look at it from a non-emotional view, you can see that it's just cocky.

       More specifically, CryptoLocker "systematically hunts down every one of your personal files – documents, databases, spreadsheets, photos, videos and music collections – and encrypts them with military-grade encryption and only the crooks can open it" (Weisbaum, 2013). CryptoLocker is obviously pretty awesome. They need to use CryptoLocker for resale. Then the public could benefit by protecting their important files. It sounds like a great piece of software if it can be used for more productive reasons.

        "CryptoLocker is different from other types of 'ransomware' that have been around for many years now that freeze your computer and demand payment. They can usually be removed which restores access to your files and documents. Not CryptoLocker – it encrypts your files. There’s only one decryption key and the bad guys have that on their server. Unless you pay the ransom – within three days, that key will be destroyed. And as the message from the extorters says, after that, nobody and never will be able to restore files…" (Weisbaum, 2013). So, CryptoLocker is a much more advanced type of ransomware. In fact, the typical extortion payment is $300 - $400. (Weisbaum, 2013) So, apparently, "Good antivirus software can remove the CryptoLocker malware from your computer, but it cannot undo the damage – the encryption is that good" (Weisbaum, 2013). So, how do you protect yourself from this virus? Well, really the only good means of protection is to frequently backup your computer on to a safe drive that does not stay connected to your computer. (Weisbaum, 2013) There are other ways to protect your files and documents but to me this is by far the best way. In fact, I would recommend having a backup stored away from your house for even more protection, like in a safety deposit box at at bank.

References

Weisbaum, H. (2013, November 6). Nasty New Malware Locks Your Files Forever, Unless You Pay Ransom. Retrieved November 7, 2013, from Today Money: http://www.today.com/money/nasty-new-malware-locks-your-files-forever-unless-you-pay-8C11511655