Russian hackers have launched a new “program extortion” – BBC Russian

• June 4, 2015

Post

“programs-extortionists” are a serious problem in the field of computer security

Experts in computer security are warning about a new type of “software-extortionists”, but note that even with Russian hackers can bargain.

“The program extortionists” – is computer code that blocks access to your files as long as you do not pay the malicious hacker agreed amount. Most often, to make “redemption” is given a certain period, after which your data is destroyed.

The new strain of malicious named Troldash described in detail in the corporate blog Checkpoint employee Kolesov Natalia.

Once in the system, the worm blocks access to user data, showing him only e-mail address by which to contact the extortionists.

“While the majority of the authors of Trojans extortionists trying to escape and avoid direct contact, the creators give their victims Troldash email – explains Kolesov. – Already during the electronic correspondence criminals demand ransom and prescribe the method of its payment “.

Troldash distributed in the form of spam – after you download a malicious file, starts the process of data encryption, and then the victim sees a message with instructions to conduct payment.

Posing as a victim of the virus, Natalia got in touch with the creator of the malicious software and as a response had instructions specifying how to pay 250 euros to restore access to the files.

Suspecting that the answer was generated automatically Kolesov began to write on, specifying the details of how to transfer money and appealing to pity hacker, begging them to reduce the price.

At this time, the answer came to Russian. Extortionists agreed to accept as a ransom of 12 thousand rubles – about 15% less than the original amount.

Kolesov continued entreaties, saying that she does not have that kind of money, and this time got the answer: “the maximum that can make bargaining “(spelling preserved – Ed.).

In the end, the fraudster (or crook) agreed for 7000 rubles – half the originally requested.

“Maybe if I continued to trade, to buy reduced even more, “- concludes Kolesov.

” programs-extortionists “are a serious problem in the field of computer security. Not long ago, one of these programs, Cryptlocker, has infected more than 250,000 computers around the world.

Another similar virus to block users access to your favorite online games, as long as they do not pay the ransom.