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I know that this is not a computer tech forum, but since we all obviously use computers here to connect with each other, I wanted to warn you of a new virus.
This malware is the most clever and most destructive virus I have ever seen in all my years working with PCs.
It is called Cryptolocker. Without getting into any technical jargon, it infects your computer and ENCRYPTS all the files on your hard drive so that they cannot be recovered even when the virus is gone. The encryption key is held by the people who created the virus and they will not encrypt your files until you pay $300.
The encryption completely prevents you from accessing any of your files. Well, there is a way, but it is complicated. If you are running Windows 7, there is a program called Volume Copy Service that might--might--recover some of your files before they were encrypted. It is enabled on Windows 7 by default and it does not always work as expected.
This means the pictures of your kids or your family, all important documents, such as banking, etc; and anything else stored on your hard drive will be inaccessible to you. Gone. Probably never to be seen again. Period.
So to be safe, copy all your important files (the files that you cannot replace and cannot afford to lose) to a USB external hard drive or a flash drive. Then REMOVE that drive (unplug it) from the usb port. The virus will attack any drive attached to the system.
DO NOT open any emails from someone you do not fully trust and do not open any emails from a company. Delete them instead. And under no circumstances, open any attachments. Especially do not open any emails from a company you are not 100% familiar with. The malware has been known to originate from an email from a fake company called "Companies House."
The virus seems to come through emails and web sites which has streaming video such as porn sites.
They virus can be eradicated, but in most cases your files will be lost forever.
Until they find a method to stop the virus or uncrypt the files during an infections, take these safety steps.
I just do not want anyone to lose any important digital photos or any important documents if they get infected.
If you become infected with the virus, your files will be gone forever.
rewdiazepam
This malware is the most clever and most destructive virus I have ever seen in all my years working with PCs.
It is called Cryptolocker. Without getting into any technical jargon, it infects your computer and ENCRYPTS all the files on your hard drive so that they cannot be recovered even when the virus is gone. The encryption key is held by the people who created the virus and they will not encrypt your files until you pay $300.
The encryption completely prevents you from accessing any of your files. Well, there is a way, but it is complicated. If you are running Windows 7, there is a program called Volume Copy Service that might--might--recover some of your files before they were encrypted. It is enabled on Windows 7 by default and it does not always work as expected.
This means the pictures of your kids or your family, all important documents, such as banking, etc; and anything else stored on your hard drive will be inaccessible to you. Gone. Probably never to be seen again. Period.
So to be safe, copy all your important files (the files that you cannot replace and cannot afford to lose) to a USB external hard drive or a flash drive. Then REMOVE that drive (unplug it) from the usb port. The virus will attack any drive attached to the system.
DO NOT open any emails from someone you do not fully trust and do not open any emails from a company. Delete them instead. And under no circumstances, open any attachments. Especially do not open any emails from a company you are not 100% familiar with. The malware has been known to originate from an email from a fake company called "Companies House."
The virus seems to come through emails and web sites which has streaming video such as porn sites.
They virus can be eradicated, but in most cases your files will be lost forever.
Until they find a method to stop the virus or uncrypt the files during an infections, take these safety steps.
I just do not want anyone to lose any important digital photos or any important documents if they get infected.
If you become infected with the virus, your files will be gone forever.
rewdiazepam
Appreciate you passing this along!
Not only will it encrypt the internal hard drive, but it will also encrypt---and make those files inaccessible---ALL drives attached to the machine, including any flash (jump) drives or external USB drives.
So after backing up your pictures, documents, or data that you cannot replace, it is imperative that you disconnect the backup drive or flash drive completely from the computer. If you do not, it will encrypt those files as well and they, too, will be lost.
rewdiazepam
Thanks for the heads up on this :)