Sophos finds Troj/Ransom-HC a Fresh Strain of Ransomware

Security researchers from Sophos the security company say they've uncovered one fresh kind of malware, which acts like a ransomware and is named Troj/Ransom-HC.

The malicious program, soon after installing itself onto a PC, cautions the computer-owner about so-called encryption of each and every file on his system. However, he can retrieve them all by paying a fine in no more than 96-hrs, the malware's alert states.

Controllers of the malicious program then admonish the victim that incase he fails to abide by their demands, one special passwords will be sent to the cops who may utilize it for unlocking the files, which carry adult content and software for spam.

In the end the cyber-criminals warn that with the completion of first 48-hrs, the victim must deposit EUR 3,000.

Indeed there mayn't be anything in the crook's intimidation about telling the cops regarding child abuse content apparently stored on the victim's PC; nevertheless, it isn't any hard to imagine the extent of fright the kind of message can cause to people.

Also, while the message is likely to be written in poor English, still anyone devoid of his files' backup may be scared into sending the money demanded instead of facing probable hazard from the police.

Remarking about the most recent hacker threat, Senior Technology Consultant Graham Cluley of Sophos states that certainly his company doesn't suggest humoring ransomware extortionists by paying them cash for it can't be said that they'll not make further similar demands of still larger value when they realize that the victim is ready for paying up. Nakedsecurity.sophos.com published this in news on July 4, 2012.

The security company therefore suggests end-users to maintain back up of their important files, while ensure for up-to-date security software including firewalls, and have the most recent AV definitions running. Further, they should always avoid dubious websites. Meanwhile, the current malware doesn't appear as highly common as it works solely on Windows computers, Sophos concludes.

Eventually, similar to Sophos' warning of ransomware, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre too of late alerted users of one ransom virus that blocked several Canadians from operating their PCs.

Related article: Sobig.f Worm After three Years of Manipulation

» SPAMfighter News - 7/13/2012