The Cybercrime Directorate informs citizens about malicious software, such as "Crypto-Malware"
Malware locks – encrypts the digital files and data stored on the user's computer
It spreads mainly through "infected" emails and aims to obtain the payment of "ransom" amounts in the digital currency BIΤCOIN, in order to unlock - decrypt digital files
The Hellenic Police's Cybercrime Directorate informs citizens that over the last five days, malicious software of the "Crypto-Malware" type has been on the rise, which is spreading - transmitted mainly through "infected" e-mail messages, but also through "unsafe" websites.
The malware aims to demand the payment of sums of money as a "ransom" in order to unlock - decrypt the digital files and data stored on the computer of the user infected by the virus, while it can affect all versions of the "Windows" operating system.
Specifically, after installation on the operating system, this malware, using a sophisticated encryption system, encrypts - locks all digital files and data (of various file types) stored on the infected user's PC, while in order to unlock his files, a sum of money must be paid in the digital currency BITCOIN, otherwise they become inaccessible to their user.
Users are urged to be particularly careful and take digital protection and security measures to avoid being infected by the aforementioned malware.
Specifically:
- Citizens who receive e-mails from unknown senders or of unknown origin are urged not to open the links and not to download the attached files contained therein, for which they do not know with certainty the sender and the content of the attached file.
- typing web page addresses (URLs) into the browser, instead of using hyperlinks,
- genuine software programs should be used and updated regularly, while there should always be an updated computer protection program (antivirus),
- to check and always keep their operating system version up to date and
- to create daily backups of their device files, on an external storage medium, so that in the event of an "attack" by malicious software, it is possible to restore their files.
