Spotlight

A recent article in USA TODAY described the nightmare scenario that happened in January at the Bennington, Vt., Area Chamber of Commerce when one of its computers was overtaken by CryptoLocker, computer “ransomware” that freezes access to files via a private key known only to the hacker. When the ransomware infects a computer, any file that is directly accessible from that computer can be at risk. According to the article, "The warning — next to a ticking countdown clock — threatened to destroy all data on the computer if the chamber refused to pay a $400 ransom within 40 hours."

If your computer is infected with this malware, there's really nothing you can do, unless you decide to pay the ransom. Even then, there have been instances where the computer remained locked even after the ransom was paid. The most effective protection is to be alert. Also:

• Analyze e-mails that are "to good to be true" or unexpected.
• Stay away from web sites and/or e-mails that are offering free stuff. Free is never really FREE.
• Be careful of shipment notification emails- especially if you are not expecting anything or if you haven't shipped anything.
• Avoid sites known to be trouble, such as pornographic and gambling sites. 
• When in doubt, don't click on ANY links. Just delete the message.

Read more about the Bennington Chamber’s incident here.