Slashdot Mirror
Sneaky Blackmailing Virus That Encrypts Data
BaCa writes "Kaspersky Lab found a new variant of Gpcode which encrypts files with various extensions using an RSA encryption algorithm with a 1024-bit key. After Gpcode.ak encrypts files on the victim machine, it changes the extension of these files to ._CRYPT and places a text file named !_READ_ME_!.txt in the same folder. In the text file the criminal tells the victims that the file has been encrypted and offers to sell them a decryptor. Is this a look into the future where the majority of malware will function based on extortion?"
... or from handy backups... besides... do you really expect to get your data back after a hack like that? you're system is hosed, any correspondence with the malware author is only going to lead to more loss. you got pwnd, restore from backup, call the FBI if you're a good corporate citizen and have nothing to hide. Otherwise, get a Mac. Or get GNU/Linux.Beware of bugs in the above code; I have only proved it correct, not tried it.
... Otherwise, get a Mac. Or Get Linux...COLLABORATE AND LISTEN.
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