ALERT: CryptoBit
CrypoLocker and CrytoDefense were making enough trouble for users, and now there is a third strain of Ransomware?
This strain is called CryptorBit, or HowDecrypt, and it follows a similar attack to CryptoLocker, but instead of corrupting certain types of files, this malware corrupts the first 512 or 1024 bytes of any data files it finds. It also seems to be able to bypass Group Policy settings that were put in place to defend against this kind of Ransomware injection.
This strain of Ransomware also installs a “cryptocoin miner” software which uses the victim’s computer to mine digital coin such as BitCoin, which then gets deposited into the malware developer’s digital wallet, earning them even more money.
Once the CryptoBit malware has had a chance to infect your files, it asks for a ransom of about $500 in BitCoin in order to decrypt the files. If the ransom is not paid, the files on your computer will remain corrupted and unusable.
Technology by Design recommends regular backups in order to ensure your files are saved in the event of a Ransomware attack. If a backup was made before the files were corrupted, it might be possible to save yourself $500+ dollars! Ask Technology by Design about how scheduled backups can help you, and how you can protect yourself from Ransomware!
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