Computer experts are stressing the importance of data protection
as the 'Cryptolocker' virus spreads.
The virus, usually installed through
unwanted attachments on emails or through questionable websites, encrypts
information on computers that, in most cases, cannot be undone. Hackers
force users to pay money to get their information back.
"You cannot get it
decrypted," explained Rob Shiras with IT Headquarters in West
Seattle, "You have to send them money to get out of trouble."
Shiras said his office sees one computer
infected with 'Cryptolocker' every week. Most decide to wipe their hard
drive, but recently, someone chose to pay the ransom.
"They gave him 72
hours," recalled Shiras, "He thought about it for 48 hours and
said, I need my pictures."
'Cryptolocker' is not a new virus, but it
continues to plague computer owners and bother law enforcement.
Inside the U.S. Secret Service Electronic
Crimes Taskforce Computer Lab in Seattle, a variety of agencies chase leads on
cyber crime, including Cryptolocker.
"There is a substantial amount of
crime that's just homegrown in the U.S.," said Special Agent in Charge
Robert Kierstead, "We also see a lot of action in
Eastern Europe."
The Secret Service has branches abroad to
help track cyber criminals down, but even law enforcement admit Cryptolocker is
the worst kind of virus.
Shiras said once a computer is infected
with Cryptolocker, little can be done to retrieve the information lost.
Even paying the ransom does not ensure the data is returned.
The key, Shiras and Kierstead said, is
prevention ahead of time. That includes avoiding questionable
websites, not opening emails with attachments from strangers and backing up
hard drives regularly.
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