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Trojan Holds Files
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Trojan holds PC files for ransom
A unique new
kind of malicious threat which locks up files on a PC then demands money in
return for unlocking them has been identified.
The program, Trojan.Pgpcoder, installs itself on a vulnerable computer after
users visit certain websites.
It exploits a known vulnerability in Microsoft's Internet Explorer (IE).
Net security firm Symantec said the program had not spread quickly, but was
another example of rising criminal extortion activity on the net. 
The malware - harmful software - was first identified by US net security firm
Websense.
Ransom note
The program, once it installs itself unbeknown to a user, triggers the download
of an encoder application which searches for common types of files on a
computer and networked drives to encrypt.
When a file is
encrypted, usually for security and privacy purposes, it can only be decrypted
with specific instructions.
The trojan replaces a user's original files with locked up ones, so that they
are inaccessible. It then leaves a "ransom note" in a text file.
Instructions to release the files are only handed over when a ransom fee is
paid, according to Websense.
The electronic note left on the computer gives details of how to meet the
demands via an online account.
"This attack is yet another indicator of the growing trend of criminals using
technology for financial gain," said Kevin Hogan, senior manager at web
security firm Symantec.
"This Trojan horse is certainly an example of using cryptography for malicious
purposes.
"It is the equivalent of someone coming into your home, locking your valuables
in a safe and refusing to give you the combination."
But because it is classed as a trojan, it does not send itself out to contacts
that a user might have stored on a computer, like viruses. This limits its
ability spread around to high levels, "in the wild", said Symantec.
Computer users are urged to ensure their anti-virus and security software is
up-to-date.
-- BBC News, UK Edition
A unique new
kind of malicious threat which locks up files on a PC then demands money in
return for unlocking them has been identified.
The program, Trojan.Pgpcoder, installs itself on a vulnerable computer after
users visit certain websites.
It exploits a known vulnerability in Microsoft's Internet Explorer (IE).
Net security firm Symantec said the program had not spread quickly, but was
another example of rising criminal extortion activity on the net.
The malware - harmful software - was first identified by US net security firm
Websense.
Ransom note
The program, once it installs itself unbeknown to a user, triggers the download
of an encoder application which searches for common types of files on a
computer and networked drives to encrypt.
When a file is
encrypted, usually for security and privacy purposes, it can only be decrypted
with specific instructions.
The trojan replaces a user's original files with locked up ones, so that they
are inaccessible. It then leaves a "ransom note" in a text file.
Instructions to release the files are only handed over when a ransom fee is
paid, according to Websense.
The electronic note left on the computer gives details of how to meet the
demands via an online account.
"This attack is yet another indicator of the growing trend of criminals using
technology for financial gain," said Kevin Hogan, senior manager at web
security firm Symantec.
"This Trojan horse is certainly an example of using cryptography for malicious
purposes.
"It is the equivalent of someone coming into your home, locking your valuables
in a safe and refusing to give you the combination."
But because it is classed as a trojan, it does not send itself out to contacts
that a user might have stored on a computer, like viruses. This limits its
ability spread around to high levels, "in the wild", said Symantec.
Computer users are urged to ensure their anti-virus and security software is
up-to-date.
-- BBC News, UK Edition