Cryptolocker, as mentioned recently, is vicious new malware that encrypts important files on your computer then demands a ransom of at least $300 to de-encrypt. The online world just changed. We are now living in a cyberpunk world. You need to protect yourself against Cryptolocker. It is the first of what may be an onslaught.
Cryptolocker uses encryption that is unbreakable. You pay via bitcoin, which is untraceable. The longer you wait, the more expensive it gets. Most antivirus software can eradicate Cryptolocker after it infects your computer. By then it is too late. You must block it from attacking.
Here’s what to do:
1) Keep your browsers and plugins updated to the latest versions. Using older broswers with known security holes is asking for trouble.
2) Make sure your anti-virus / anti-malware software is up to date and can block Cryptolocker from attacking.
3) Do not open email attachments unless you are absolutely positive they are from a trusted source, ditto for USB thumb drives. This is absolutely crucial.
4) Make frequent backups that are not accessible by your computer. This means re-thinking how to do backups. A backup stored on the same computer will have its files encrypted too. Cloud services like Dropbox and Evernote are vulnerable too because they upload from your computer and thus can upload encrypted files.