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scratchycat
11-12-2012, 10:12 AM
This was shared by a member in Facebook and I wanted to post it here for your information.

The latest attack on ordinary people and their computers is "ransomware".
This is malicious software that is downloaded when you open an email attachment that is supposed to be informing you that there has been suspicious activity from your computer.
The attachment is the ransomware and locks up your computer until you pay a "repair fee" of several hundred pounds, euros or dollars.
It seems that the only way to avoid this type of scam is NOT to accept or open ANY email attachment that is not KNOWN to be from someone you know and trust. Even then, check with them before you open any attachment because their address books could have been hacked.

Actually, I believe a family member of mine must have gotten this on her pc as I received a strange email from her yesterday. I was cautious because I knew she was not able to be online because of pc problems. So do be careful and notify others.

Poyol
11-12-2012, 10:16 AM
If you have this type of problem with your PC - DO NOT hand over any money

Please inform me via PM and I will strive to help you.
Forum members will be helped freely (donations accepted!)

Jason

scratchycat
11-12-2012, 10:57 AM
If you have this type of problem with your PC - DO NOT hand over any money

Please inform me via PM and I will strive to help you.
Forum members will be helped freely (donations accepted!)

Jason

Jason, I really wish you could help my cousin but she lives in South Carolina USA. Could give you a phone number but still not sure you could work it out with her. Thanks for announcing this.

Poyol
11-12-2012, 11:02 AM
I can give a set of instructions to help remove this.

Can do this via inbox.

Jason

scratchycat
11-12-2012, 12:31 PM
Thanks Jason, you have my email address. I am trying to contact her by phone. If you were to be able to help her out we will definitely make a contribution.

scratchycat
12-01-2012, 12:48 PM
ICC3 releases more warnings about this Malware!!

Citadel Malware Continues to Deliver Reveton Ransomware in Attempts to Extort Money


A new extortion technique is being deployed by cyber-criminals using the Citadel malware platform to deliver Reveton ransomware. The latest version of the ransomware uses the name of the Internet Crime Complaint Center to frighten victims into sending money to the perpetrators. In addition to instilling a fear of prosecution, this version of the malware also claims that the user’s computer activity is being recorded using audio, video, and other devices.

As described in prior alerts on this malware, it lures the victim to a drive-by download website, at which time the ransomware is installed on the user's computer. Once installed, the computer freezes and a screen is displayed warning the user they have violated United States Federal Law. The message further declares that a law enforcement agency has determined that a computer using the victim's IP address has accessed child pornography and other illegal content.

To unlock the computer, the user is instructed to pay a fine using prepaid money card services. The geographic location of the user's PC determines what payment services are offered. In addition to the ransomware, the Citadel malware continues to operate on the compromised computer and can be used to commit online banking and credit card fraud. Below is a screenshot of the new variation.

Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) | Citadel Malware Continues to Deliver Reveton Ransomware in Attempts to Extort Money (http://www.ic3.gov/media/2012/121130.aspx)