Ransomware has been around for a long time. Essentially, ransomware is classified as any Malware that demands money in order to get full use of your computer back. It 
started with simple Malware that would try to get you to buy the fake programs that they would offer up on your machine without your consent. The Malware would usually come from an infected web site or e-mail attachment.
Then came the FBI and the Department of Justice virus. This virus became more aggressive because it actually blocked you from using your computer. The good news was that in most cases, a professional technician could usually get rid of the Malware without the user loosing any files.
The next generation ransomware came about last year and it was called CryptoLocker. This Malware not only locked your computer but also went one step further and encrypted all your important files. The only way to recover these files without a backup was to pay the ransom and allow the cyber bully to send the encryption code to your computer and allow the files to be used again.
Stating this week, a new threat has emerged in the US cyberspace. The new Malware is called Crypto Defense. A different group other then the original distributes the Malware but it does the same thing only worse. You need to be aware of this threat and we are immediately getting the information out to you. I strongly advise you to relay this information with your friends and family to avoid loosing some or all of your data.
The group has been testing the Malware in countries such as the UK, Canada, Australia and other countries as well. The United States is now on the target list and the Malware is out there in the wild. The group is making money hand over fist with this new intervention and it is up to us, the computer user, to be aware and help stop this ransomware from spreading.
The Malware is spread in a similar fashion as all the rest. It is usually sent via an infected e-mail attachment. If you are careful about opening attachments, you most likely will never see this dreaded virus. In addition, you can also get it by going to an infected web site. This variant is more expensive then CryptoLocker and it can cost up to $1,000.00 or more to get your files back. The new group only accepts Bitcoins as payment so the price may vary.
The new ransomware will target files such text, PDF, Word and pictures. If you have backups that are stored directly on the disk or you have System Restore enabled, all these backups will be erased. The only back up that will work is one on an external media source that is not connected to the computer.
The Malware is so sophisticated that it will take a snap of your desktop and include that picture on your payment page. There is no distinction between this and CryptoLocker since the coding is completely different.
Another way that this Malware is distributed is with fake links that tell you that your Flash player is outdated. Never click on one of these links to update Flash. When in doubt, go directly to the Adobe Flash page and update it from their website. We have also heard of infections coming from so-called voice mail messages sent as an attachment in your e-mail.
We urge you to be extremely cautious and to think before you click in order to avoid this new threat. In addition we ask that you alert all your friends and family as well. Being careful with our surfing is the only way we are going to stop this new Malware from spreading.
Posted By , Ross Deprey from Computer Geeks Online.net
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