cybercriminals are constantly creating new viruses and improved, worms and Trojan horses in an attempt to steal valuable data, such as bank and credit card details. The latest threat to computer security, in the form of ransomware, a type of virus that syringe computer and encrypts digital files before charging mcheasathlai for encryption keys. The virus can cause major problems for businesses and individual users and those affected are left with no choice but to pay the ransom if they wish to access their files.
CryptoWall?
CryptoWall was known as a Trojan horse as it appears first as a mail attachment is harmless or download. However, when the virus into a computer, it immediately starts to establish a connection to a random server and upload. It will then begin to copy all files on the system and encrypt them before deleting the original file. This will save more files on a computer that has a ransom message and instructions on how to make the payment. User files are encrypted using RSA public key unique - 2048 is created for each computer. Users must pay for private key in order to decrypt the file. Previous versions of the program initially required payment of $ 500 in Bitcoins to restore your files, but now has been increased to $ 700 on the newer versions like CryptoWall 4.0. Those affected are given a certain amount of time to make the payment before installation ransom.
What can I do if I have been exposed?
Unfortunately, there is currently no way to recover encrypted files without paying the ransom. Payments are handled online lion allow criminals to remain anonymous. If you believe that your computer is infected CryptoWall, then avoid connecting the external hard drive or shared network to prevent it from spreading. Look for any new files in the root directory of your name such DECRYPT_INSTRUCTION.txt. When you open this file, you will encounter a ransom, which provides detailed instructions on how to make your payment. The removal of CryptoWall is an easy process, but just removed the virus will not allow access to encrypted files. Rare opportunity, it is possible to save the backup file or restore the system to the point before a prior infection, but newer versions of the viruses will delete the shadow copy makes recovery amounts impossible.
How to protect yourself against the wall, and other malicious software encryption
In order to protect your computer from virus attacks, it is important to have up-to-date antivirus software and virus scanner, which opened on your computer all the time. If you are unsure about whether your system is safe from the threat of viruses, then you should look at Amit solution for expert advice on protecting your files. All users should back up their files regularly and store them on an external hard drive. Of free Cloud storage is a useful tool for those with limited space, but some viruses have the ability to access the Internet. Most importantly, do not open e-mail from senders who do not know or click on the links on suspicious sites.
Should I just pay the ransom?
Since there is no other way to access the encrypted files by CryptoWall, a large number of people choose to pay a ransom. However, there are many cases, users pay a ransom, then do not get them to be able to decrypt the file. Ransom payments, which means you have to give the money directly to the cybercriminals will continue to extort money from the public in this way. Another problem that many victims are faced with is how to increase the demand for ransom. Bitcoin is a form of online currency that consumers must 'mine', and bought a stack of Bitcoins to the value of $ 700 is not as straightforward as it seems. Getting Bitcoin is often slow and many people struggle to collect enough before the deadline.
Campaign CryptoLocker stole more than $ 30 million from online shows just how a serious threat is to enable users to both businesses and individuals. CryptoWall is just one example of different ransomware virus that is currently causing the destruction of the network. For locker and Citroen have another kind of ransomware that has followed the same pattern as their predecessors. Cyber crime has been estimated to cost the US economy more than $ 100 billion every year, so take steps to protect your network is critical to avoid ending up out of pocket.