Microsoft Australia's Chief Security Advisor Warns Internet Users of a Virus Called Cryptolocker

James Kavanagh, Microsoft Australia's Chief Security advisor has warned Internet users to be cautious with a virus called cryptolocker. He raised the warning after noticing an increase in the number of virus attacks over the past few weeks.

A cryptolocker is a virus that disguises as a downloadable file or an e-mail attachment, which when activated it automatically locks up the files in a computer. After the files are locked, cryptolocker starts a count down and then asks ransom payment which ranges from $100-$300. When the countdown ends the unlock key is also deleted and the files in the computer are locked forever.

The virus is known to demand a variety of payment forms which includes the digital currency bitcoins. The use of digital currency makes it difficult to track those responsible for the virus attacks, because they operate through digital exchange networks.

As the holiday season approaches online sales also increases along with malicious executables like viruses are often disguised as e-mails. As such, online shoppers should be cautious with e-mails from online shopping Web sites.

According to Kaspersky, an anti-virus company, paying the ransom is not a guarantee that you will get your files back. Experts recommend regularly backing up computer files and keeping external storage, which should be unplugged when not in use.

An anti-virus programme may remove the cryptolocker virus in some cases after the virus has already locked some of the files. Usually, when this happens, a desktop wallpaper is displayed that tells users that they need to re-download the virus if they wish to get back their deleted files.

Currently, there is no way to recover files that are already encrypted by the virus. However, here are some ways you can do if ever you encounter the cryptolocker virus.

• Roll back the time in your computer to circumvent the timer which can also trick the virus.
• The virus warns the user not to turn off or disconnect the computer from the Internet because the virus takes hours to lock files, thus turning off your computer might be a successful defence.
• Run anti-virus programmes immediately, which are often able to remove cryptolockers. Although they cannot recover lost files and their effectiveness is uncertain.