| I'm sure you've heard the latest is no longer
'Phishing' Scams, but Computer "Extortion", getting a virus, worm or other
piece of malware in an e-mail just got uglier!
What happens is a Data Thief (computer extortionist)
sends you a file as an e-mail attachment, or directs you to a website link
which when run causes your computer's "data"...(your personal information,
programs and anything on the drive inside your computer) to be encrypted
(scrambled up REALLY GOOD) so it can not be read by YOU, the information's
rightful owner!!
Then depending on the thief's level of *GREED* or your
position/company or financial standing they will demand payment of
amounts based on that. NEVER PAY RANSOM for your data, there is
never any guarantee that you will get it back, but you can be very sure
you will be out of your money that you sent!!
Since this is now a rapidly developing/evolving avenue
for the bad guys on the net, check here often as I will be adding new
information.
If you believe you may be a target for an extortion
scam, send me an e-mail and I
will help you secure your resources, as well as provide some very
practical advice/tips which will keep you safe online.
Practical steps you can take to avoid being a victim of
this terrorist fund raiser tactic is:
The Biggest threat to your computer's security is
YOU!...no matter what software, hardware you buy if you disclose
information to data thieves, hackers or phishers then you are vulnerable.
To help guard against the most exploitable resource (the human user).
If you find it hard to distinguish between legitimate
messages from companies you do business with and scams, you should visit
my scams and fraud page. There you will find all
the current examples of scams against online business.
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