Computer Files held ‘Hostage’

:boxed:Hackers have found a way to lock up the electronic documents on your computer and then demand $200 over the Internet to get them back.

The unusual hacking practice came into light when a corporate customer of San Diego based Websense fell victim to the infection, which encrypted his important files, documents, photographs and spreadsheets. The hacker later demanded $200 for the digital keys to unlock the files.:evil:

“This is equivalent to someone coming into your home, putting your valuables in a safe and not telling you the combination,” said Oliver Friedrichs, a security manager for Symantec Corporation.

Leading security and anti-virus firms have dubbed this practice as ransom-ware and are updating their software to guard against this type of attack.:cool:

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