I first heard of this virus from Kaspersky support when renewing a
client’s contract recently. The support
tech told me this malware is particularly nasty since it encrypts (locks) your
files and demands a ransom to unencrypt (release) them. Some people/businesses have actually paid the
ransom.
I am warning my client base now because it has made the local
news this a.m., it hit some users in Douglas County and the local ABC affiliate
carried the story.
This virus once on a computer travels to other computers in
a network environment so be careful.
It uses phishing emails to entice the recipient to open and
click on a link. The Kaspersky tech told
me not to open anything from UPS, USPS, FedX and from what I have read the criminals
are now attempting to trick victims with emails containing links to great
deals/promises for the holidays.
Yes, of course, it looks like a great deal—and who isn’t trying
to save money this holiday shopping season?—but if you click on a scam, it
could cost you big. It may even ruin your computer.
That’s because scammers are using phishing emails that look
like they’re coming from Amazon, Best Buy and Wal-Mart, among others, but
really contain the CryptoLocker PC virus.
Backup and be careful!
