Contra(dictory)
also I hang out here, I guess
Even if you aren't particularly tech-literate, I'll lay this out in the simplest manner possible for you. This is important information, no matter who you are or what sites you visit. If you're running Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7 or even Windows 8, you are in danger.
First off, Ransomware is a form of malware that takes control of your computer and refuses to let you use it until you pay up, and the prices range from anywhere to a couple hundred to thousands of dollars. I highly doubt any of you are packing that kind of money, so listen up. If you follow these steps, you should be safe.
This PSA was created because the newest bit of Ransomware, CryptoLocker, basically completely bricks your computer if you don't pay up. Other bits of Ransomware can be removed in Safe Mode or are easily avoided- this one is not. CryptoLocker works by encrypting your computer's files, rendering them unusable, and then demanding your payment within a short deadline. If you don't pay up in time, they throw away the key and nothing you can do will ever get those files back.
Create routine backups- weekly, preferably- so that even if you get hit by this, you won't lose everything.
Install either version of Avast or Malwarebytes Pro to ensure you're safe. So far, this can only be prevented. Once it begins, you are powerless.
This thing's spreading like the flu. Be careful, browse safe, and spread the word as much as you can to make sure your friends and family don't get hit by this.
Here's a Reddit thread that documents it better than I did. Be sure not to click any links in that thread- or any suspicious links, really- and stay tuned to see if anyone can find a solution to this fiasco.
First off, Ransomware is a form of malware that takes control of your computer and refuses to let you use it until you pay up, and the prices range from anywhere to a couple hundred to thousands of dollars. I highly doubt any of you are packing that kind of money, so listen up. If you follow these steps, you should be safe.
- Make backups. Backing up your files may sound tedious- and it is- but if you don't have a functional backup when this happens, you'll have no choice but to pay up or, in the worst case, say goodbye to your files for good.
- Install an antivirus. At the moment, Avast! and Malwarebytes Pro are the only known antivirus programs capable of preventing infection from the biggest ransomware yet, CryptoLocker.
- For fuck's sake, don't open spam emails, don't use torrents from untrusted sites, and stay as far away as humanly possible from porn and "free" streaming sites.
This PSA was created because the newest bit of Ransomware, CryptoLocker, basically completely bricks your computer if you don't pay up. Other bits of Ransomware can be removed in Safe Mode or are easily avoided- this one is not. CryptoLocker works by encrypting your computer's files, rendering them unusable, and then demanding your payment within a short deadline. If you don't pay up in time, they throw away the key and nothing you can do will ever get those files back.
Create routine backups- weekly, preferably- so that even if you get hit by this, you won't lose everything.
Install either version of Avast or Malwarebytes Pro to ensure you're safe. So far, this can only be prevented. Once it begins, you are powerless.
This thing's spreading like the flu. Be careful, browse safe, and spread the word as much as you can to make sure your friends and family don't get hit by this.
Here's a Reddit thread that documents it better than I did. Be sure not to click any links in that thread- or any suspicious links, really- and stay tuned to see if anyone can find a solution to this fiasco.
Based Sora said:
R version:
