CryptoLocker is a new exploit where the bad guys encrypt your personal files in your Documents, Pictures, Music, and Videos folder and holds them for ransom. You have 72 hours to respond, and the cost to decrypt is $300. Once your files are encrypted there is no getting them back!
This is a pretty serious exploit, as there is no way to decrypt the files without the encryption key that the bad guys want to sell you for $300. And of course, they are bad guys, so there is a chance that you won’t get the key if you do pay the ransom.
There are two ways to prevent this from being a problem for you. You can back up your files to another place. Or you can download and install the free utility CryptoPrevent from Foolish IT. Or you could do both, and really be protected.
You can read more about this on Sophos. We recommend using Carbonite as your backup solution, and not just because we are partners of Carbonite. If you need help with setting up a backup solution, or installing CryptoPrevent find an computer support professional of your choice, or call us for assistance.
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About the Author:
I am a cybersecurity and IT instructor, cybersecurity analyst, pen-tester, trainer, and speaker. I am an owner of the WyzCo Group Inc. In addition to consulting on security products and services, I also conduct security audits, compliance audits, vulnerability assessments and penetration tests. I also teach Cybersecurity Awareness Training classes. I work as an information technology and cybersecurity instructor for several training and certification organizations. I have worked in corporate, military, government, and workforce development training environments I am a frequent speaker at professional conferences such as the Minnesota Bloggers Conference, Secure360 Security Conference in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, the (ISC)2 World Congress 2016, and the ISSA International Conference 2017, and many local community organizations, including Chambers of Commerce, SCORE, and several school districts. I have been blogging on cybersecurity since 2006 at http://wyzguyscybersecurity.com