CryptoLocker is a particularly insidious form of ransomware that was first detected in September 2013. The malware encrypts files on infected computers and demands that its victims pay a ransom in order to regain access to the locked files .
The CryptoLocker encrypts the victim's data with a very strong encryption method, essentially making access to the files impossible unless the ransom is paid to the criminals. The amount ranges from 100 to 300 dollars in Bitcoins, depending on the “price list”. Sometimes the amount can be greatly increased, always depending on the criminal and the type of their target.
When the malware locks the computer, it gives the victim 72 hours to pay the ransom; otherwise, according to the extortion, the virus will delete the decryption key, which is the only way for the encrypted files to reappear.
What can happen if your computer is infected? The answer is disappointing. There is currently no decryption solution unless you have the decryption key. The encryption used by criminals is a 2048-bit encryption and is almost impossible to break.
But because prevention is always one of the best techniques in security, below we describe some ways that will help you prevent a possible infection by the CryptoLocker virus:
- It has been reported that most viruses were delivered via some email that contained infected attachments. Avoid opening attachments from unknowns or clicking on links that come with spam emails. They usually lead to malicious software. In general, avoid opening emails and attached files from unknown sources, especially when they come in .zip or .rar.
- Most of you have some anti-virus program, but do you know if it is effective? Make sure it is reliable and always up to date.
- Always keep your operating system and software up to date on your computer.
- Always keep backups (and as often as possible). (Tip: Before you make a backup, make sure your computer is clean.)
- Create cloud accounts for storing files outside your computer.
- Windows 7 users should create system restore points, and Windows 8 users, it would be good to configure them to keep file history.
- Make sure you have formatted your hard drive and that the CryptoLocker trojan has been completely removed before attempting to reinstall Windows or restore your files from a backup.
There are many free tools that can help a lot in protecting your systems from this malware.
1. CryptoPrevent, created by American security expert Nick Shaw.
It is a tool for every Windows OS (XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 8.1). The tool will lock any Windows operating system to prevent infection from the malicious software Cryptolocker or «ransomware». Because of the way CryptoPrevent works, it truly protects against many malicious programs, not only against Cryptolocker
2. HitmanPro.Alert, also a free tool that will help you protect your computer from the CryptoLocker ransomware malware.
Το HitmanPro.Alert περιλαμβάνει ένα νέο χαρακτηριστικό, που ονομάζεται CryptoGuard και παρακολουθεί το σύστημα αρχείων σας για τυχόν ύποπτες δραστηριότητες. Όταν εντοπίσει κάποια ύποπτη συμπεριφορά, εξουδετερώνει τον κακόβουλο κώδικα και τα αρχεία σας παραμένουν ασφαλή.
3. BitDefender Anti-CryptoBlocker, a crypto-blocking tool that can detect and block malware.
