The cryptolocker virus is alive and well and in Casterton. It can hit via unexpected emails from apparently known sources, for example from Australia Post (see previous post). Once activated it will encrypt (scramble) all your photos, documents, databases, spreadsheets, pretty much everything of value on your computer. Once this is done they are unusable and you will see the below screen which demands a ransom to get your files back.
This malware spreads via email by using social engineering techniques. Therefore, be particularly wary of unexpected emails from senders you don’t know, especially those with attached files. Disabling hidden file extensions in Windows will also help recognize this type of attack.
It’s vital you have a backup system in place for your critical files. This will help mitigate the damage caused not only by malware infections but hardware problems or any other incidents as well. If you become infected and don’t have a backup copy of your files, consider them lost. The chances of a good outcome as a result of paying the ransom are nearly zero.
Make sure you have an up to date, fully patched operating system (Windows XP is no longer adequate) and an up to date industry recognised anti-virus application.