Force Reveals that Malware may Block Access to Personal Documents

WILTSHIRE Police and the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) are warning about a large-scale blackmail virus for computers that could impact Internauts in the country, reported wiltsglosstandard.co.uk on January 24, 2014.

The NFIB is conscious of a vicious malware that installs its own self into machines and encrypts the users' files. If your machine is infested with CryptoLocker, a warning will come on your screen as 'Your personal files are encrypted'. It then sets a time limit for you to pay ransom money to get your files unbolted. It (CryptoLocker) is not a bogus or a redundant threat as if the time passes without making payment it really makes your files unattainable. CryptoLocker is an belligerent kind of computer virus that is popularly referred to as ransomware.

The cybercriminals masterminding the creation of the CryptoLocker malware initially targeted business houses but currently are centering on home Internet users employing Windows system on their machines.

Det Sgt Jon Lee, Head of Complex fraud at Wiltshire Police said: "Innocent people are being tricked into installing this malware onto their machines and then blackmailed financially for access to their own personal information. The individual may never have access to any of their private data again like music, photos and significant documents as all get blocked unless the malicious software is removed," as published by wiltshiretimes.co.uk on January 24, 2014.

He also said: "I would recommend the local communities to be cautious towards this cyber crime and take the precautionary measures to circumvent being victim. Simple tips like not clicking on any unsolicited email attachments, keeping backup of files & stockpiling them offline and updating anti-virus (AV) software will aid to purge the chances of your computer being attacked. It is also imperative that you don't send any ransom payment to these crooks which only fuels the problem and also there is no assurance that the crooks would unlock your entrée to the information."

He added: "We work closely with the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau, Action Fraud and the National Crime Agency to guarantee exchange of data to recognize and bring responsible people to justice".

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