billwill
Wednesday 20th November 2013 6:16pm [Edited]
North London
6,162 posts
Cryptolocker is a malicious piece of software being circulated by fake emails in their thousands at present.
If you get infected it locks all your files by encrypting them and then asks for a ransom for the decryption key.
Carazy thing is it wants paying in Bitcoins, which most people (including me) have no idea how they would aquire any and certainly would be unable to do anything about it if the computer is locked up.
NCA warns UK of mass CryptoLocker ransomware attacks
http://www.scmagazineuk.com/nca-warns-uk-of-mass-cryptolocker-ransomware-attacks/article/321576/?DCMP=EMC-SCUK_Newswire
Never click on any attachment unless BOTH:
1. It is from a valid existing contact of yours
2. YOU ARE EXPECTING the attachment, or the words in the email give you no doubt that it is valid.
If in doubt do not open it send a separate email to the apparent originator asking if it is valid.
~~~~~
Secondly most important, make sure you have up to date backups of your data files and emails and photos etc etc.
Then if the worst happens you can wipe your computer clean and reload Windows and re install your files and emails.
The ransom will have little effect on you if you know your data is safe elsewhere.
This is one typical official looking email which I think is being used to carry the malware, but there are many other versions.
Thank you for using CIS Online. Your monthly return for November 2013 has been received by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).
For more information please see attached report.
If you require any further assistance please contact our Online Services Helpdesk. Opening hours 8.00 am to 8.00 pm, seven days a week. Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day. Tel: 0845 60 55 999 For customers who are deaf or hearing or speech impaired: 0845 366 7805 (Textphone) If youre calling from abroad please telephone: +44 161 930 8445 To contact HMRC by email: helpdesk@ir-efile.gov.uk
The original of this email was scanned for viruses by the Government Secure Intranet virus scanning service supplied by Vodafone in partnership with Symantec. (CCTM Certificate Number 2009/09/0052.) On leaving the GSi this email was certified virus free.
Communications via the GSi may be automatically logged, monitored and/or recorded for legal purposes.