CryptoLocker Virus

Recently we’ve seen a few computers with a similar looking virus. In particular this virus targets people’s valuable files, their documents, spread sheets and pictures, and is especially designed to attack businesses and small networks. 

How does the virus work? 

If you already have a virus on your PC, it will install this new virus in the background. If you don’t have the virus, the most common way to receive the infection is from emails from people you don’t know containing an “invoice,” “customer complaint,” or “delivery status”. If you aren’t expecting an invoice or a delivery, avoid opening any attachments. 

After the virus is installed, in the background it will begin ‘locking’ your files. When it’s finished, it will give you a popup stating that they have locked your files, and you need to pay them $300 to unlock them. 

So how do you get around it?  

Unfortunately, you can’t. It is designed in a way, that unless the perpetrator is caught, you will not be able to unlock your files without paying the money. Even if the virus is removed, your files stay locked.  Paying is the only way to unlock them, and if you do your research, it seems to be successful for most people. 

So does that mean you should cough up the money? 

On the contrary, these people are the ones attacking you, there’s little guarantee that they will be honest in unlocking your files. If they do, what guarantee is there that the virus won’t remain on your system and do it again? Secondly, this tactic has already worked for them in the past, and they used the money made to remove the flaws in the first variant. Lastly, given that it has been working for them, it will only be a matter of time before more and more people mimic or imitate it. Who says they will be as obliging in unlocking your files? 

So what can be done?  

Well, as we always say, and especially in this case, “prevention is better than a cure”. Being cautious about how you use your computer, as well as using a good antivirus and keeping up to date will help you avoid being infected in the first place. And keeping good backups is *essential*. Even if the virus locks your files, you can easily remove it and restore them from a backup. Backup regularly, and keep them on a HDD disconnected from your computer. This goes even for businesses who backup to another PC. You still need to keep a copy in cold storage. 

Note that this isn’t the only case backups are handy. What if your computer is stolen? Or dropped? 

Although this virus is particularly nasty, take this opportunity to review your backup plans and are you keeping your files safe? 

As always don’t hesitate to contact your local computer store for help with any IT issues.