[RVRC] Botnets and ransomware infections

[Marvin Bronstein]

'Ransomware' and 'botnets' are prevalent on the Internet so you need to keep your guard up. The first tries to extort money from the user by remotely encrypting their (infected) hard drive/data and only providing the 'unlock key' if they pay the ransom. The second uses the users PC (and name) to send viruses and ransomware to others, possibly from the PCs address book. Below are two links to recent articles that describe the problems and help you scan your computer and erase any infections, avoid these headaches. 


These viruses are also a good argument for regular 'drive image' backups of your computer. Should somebody mess with your computer, you will have a 'backed-up good copy' to reinstall your operating system and all your programs. As always, never 'click' on suspicious emails or on 'pop-ups' claiming that your computer is infected or for a free virus scan. Exit and use your own installed good virus scan program, with latest updates, to check your computer. 


International law enforcement authorities over the weekend took control of two hacker networks that have infected more than a million computers worldwide to steal banking information and lock devices until users pay a ransom, U.S. officials announced Monday. People should run security tests on their computers within the next two weeks, before the masters of the botnets have a chance to regain control, the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency says.




General Article on Topic:
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/5083454f-a27e-4b1a-8ff6-182d0afaf065/stitch?storyguid=6d6d9b8a-ea98-11e3-9d08-00212803fad6&siteid=nwhpf

Advisory from US-CERT with suggested software:
https://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/alerts/TA14-150A