[CS-FSLUG] Miscreants encrypt files, hold them for ransom...MickySoft systems!

[Fred A. Miller]

On Tuesday 24 May 2005 5:54 pm, Don Parris wrote:
> On 5/24/05, JD Runyan <Lists at runyanrants.net> wrote:
> > Fred A. Miller wrote:
> > > "In a new type of online attack, extortionists remotely encrypt user
> > > files and then demand money for the key to decode the information."
> > >
> > > "Researchers at Symantec have seen the malicious program used in the
> > > ransom attack. The "Trojan.Pgpcoder" searches a victim's hard disk
> > > drive for 15 common file types, including images and Microsoft Office
> > > file types. It then encrypts the files, removes the originals and drops
> > > a note asking $200 for the encryption key, Friedrichs said."
> > >
> > > http://news.zdnet.com/2100-1009_22-5718678.html?tag=nl.e589
> >
> > Do regular backups,  and this isn't a very good attack. I would probably
> > lead the dope on, and see if he could be tracked though.
> >
> > --
>
> I was just thinking that this seems like a pretty stupid attack.  Or
> at least I don't think I could be slick enough to pull it off.  Just
> seems like you're all but begging to get caught.

I would think so, but then, I'm not a cop.

Fred

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