CryptoLocker. Pay or Else.

There is continuing growth in reports of infection by the CryptoLocker malware, which actually encrypts your files and will not release them unless you pay the ransom.  The ransom was formerly $100 but now $300.  CryptoLocker is unlike the commonly-seen "FBI" or similarly-known malware that merely threatens to lock your data - CryptoLocker actually does it, and once encrypted, antivirus/antimalware products cannot correct this.

In the commonly-seen CryptoLocker version, users who pay do get access to their data again.  However, there is no guarantee that copycat attacks will return files even to those who pay.  Read more about it here: http://www.geek.com/apps/disk-encryptiing-cryptolocker-malware-demands-300-to-decrypt-your-files-1570402/

So how do you prevent this?  Best approach is to only open email attachments that you have confident are valid ones from people who intended to send them.

Another critical protection for small business owners: have your critical data backed up offsite, so you can keep your business running even if your most important computers were to suffer this or another successful attack.  We can help with this.

Some security software may catch CryptoLocker before it gets on your computer, so be sure you have adequate protection: solid, updated antivirus and dedicated antimalware in place.  But there are reports that security software may detect it only after you are infected, so even good protection is no guarantee.

Here are some common questions about CryptoLocker, and some answers:http://glipho.com/anti-malware-blogger/four-questions-about-cryptolocker.

If you do get infected, CMIT Solutions is ready to help.  While we can't provide you with the decryption key, we are ready to help once the files are decrypted, and to provide you with solid security looking forward.