A nasty virus called CryptoLocker is infecting computers around the world and it can cripple your
computer. The virus is a form of ransomware malware that targets Microsoft Windows-based
computers. It encrypts files (rendering them useless to the users) stored on local hard drives and
network drives and then displays a message saying that the only way to decrypt the files will be by
paying the ransom fee by a specific deadline. If the fee is not paid by the deadline, decryption is no
longer possible.
Anti-virus software might not detect CryptoLocker, or only detect it once encryption has started or has
completed. Although CryptoLocker can be trivially removed, removal does not decrypt the files. Lost
files could be recovered from clean backup sources.
More Information and News Articles
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CryptoLocker
http://calgary.ctvnews.ca/virus-holds-computer-files-hostage-1.1507096
http://www.abc27.com/story/23770605/warning-crypto-locker-computer-virus-going-around
http://www.kake.com/home/headlines/New-Computer-Virus-Holding-Files-Hostage-For-Ransom-
229645021.html