Driving Instructors Branch of Unite the Union April 2014 | Page 15

Crypto Locker Virus

The computer virus is doing the rounds and is the most devastating to date.

The virus encrypts all files on your computer using 128 bit encryption. This makes it almost impossible to crack without the correct code. The only way to get the code is to pay the scammers; but in many cases no code is forthcoming.

How much are the scammers after, the figure of £300 has been mentioned. The scammers are not just after your money they want your card details.

So how do you prevent getting the virus in the first place?

The virus is in email attachments. These usually are from legitimate companies such as Inland Revenue, Royal Mail, UPS, FedEx and DHS. There are may be many other company names that are being used, so be on your guard.

Some do’s for you to consider;

1. Always back up any information from your computer that you do not want to lose (files, documents, pictures).

2.Opening any files or links in your e-mail could be a virus, no matter how trustworthy the sender might sound. (A most recent method of spreading a virus is sending it under a friend’s name.)

3.Computer problems are going to happen; it is just a matter of time. Whether it is through a Crypto Locker virus, technical failure, or other incident, nothing on a computer is forever.

A large motor franchise near me recently had this virus and the only way of solving it was to completely reformat the server and all 14 terminals. Once reformatted, the operating system had to be reloaded and then the backups. This took over two days.

No doubt this kind of virus will get worse as criminals find new ways of getting people to open infected files.