“Your personal files have been encrypted and you have 96 hours to pay us £300.”
CryptoLocker has been described by one computer security analyst as “game-changing”.
It is a very sophisticated and nasty piece of ransom software which is impossible to decrypt.
Please read about CryptoLocker, then plan ahead in order to avoid this happening to YOU.
http://www.theguardian.com/money/2013/oct/19/cryptolocker-attacks-computer-ransomeware
http://www.theguardian.com/money/2013/oct/19/10-ways-beat-cryptolocker-protect-files
RECOMMENDATIONS:
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Always have a backup available, because regardless of whatever preventative measures (see below) you take, CryptoLocker and other malware only needs to get through your defences ONCE.
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Regularly update your anti-malware software (such as Malwarebytes and SuperAntiSpyware) and other software such as your antivirus and Windows Update.
- Also keep Java and Adobe Flash regularly updated.
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NEVER, EVER open an e-mail attachment unless you are 100% certain who sent it. If you are in any doubt whatsoever, delete it.
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Be alert to all forms of social engineering (scams, threats, hoaxes) which come to you via email. Always assume that every new email is “dodgy”.
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Adobe Reader has a history of vulnerabilities resulting in code execution, so it may be advisable to switch to Foxit Reader.
http://www.foxitsoftware.com/company/press.php?action=view&page=2009226SxiZ.html