IMPORTANT WARNING: A new version of the “CryptoLocker” virus, sometimes referred to as ransomware, can cripple your computer and render the data files on it useless. The antivirus software on your computer may NOT protect you from this threat.
If you suspect your system has been compromised, please contact us immediately.
CryptoLocker can strike Windows computers through an email that appears to be from a name you know. Or, it could look to be from a reputable source such as UPS, FedEX, or Hewlett Packard and purport to have information on a package you may want to track.
Users who click on the attachment will see a message informing them that their computer is locked, and their data files are now encrypted. It then asks the user to make a payment of $100, $300, $1,000 or more in order to recover the data. Once encrypted, you CANNOT undo the encryption. Your ONLY hope is that you have a backup taken prior to the infection.
If you believe that you have been infected by this virus, please be SURE to disable any backups you may be doing. If you fail to do this, you may inadvertently backup infected data files and compromise your ability to recover information from your backups.
For more information please go to: http://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/alerts/TA13-309A
A good way to protect yourself from this sort of infection is to use a reputable online backup service such as Dr. Backup. They provide 24×7 support and can help you recover from this serious infection. Contact us for more information or follow the link at the bottom of our home page to learn more about their services.
