Trojan Takes Files to Hostage, Asks for Ransom!

Ransomware is often a Trojan that steals files, encrypts themand then asks for a ransom in return of a password that lets you regain access tothose files. MayArchive is a bit different in that sense as it does not encryptfiles but strings them together and archives them in a file by the name EncryptedFiles.alsÂ'. Then it deletes all the original files and creates a text filein the same folder by name  INSTRUCTIONS HOW TO GET YOUR FILES BACK .

It reads,  Do not try to search for a program that encrypted your information  itsimply does not exist in your hard disk anymore. Reporting to police about a casewill not help you, they do not know the password. Reporting somewhere about ouremail account will not help you to restore files. Moreover, you and other peoplewill lose contactwith us, and consequently, all the encrypted information.Â

As the only way to get your files back, it directs you to spurious online drugstores and tells you to buy from a few medicines listed over there. As soon as yourorder is verified, it guarantees to send you the password to unlock the files.

 Our products eScan and MailScan have been updated with the cure for this Trojansince May 9, 2006 and users updating the software regularly have no reasons toworry, says Sulabh Mahant, Security Analyst, MicroWorld Technologies.  MicroWorldhad reported about  Win32.Zippo.10Â' in the month of March, which asked for a $300direct transaction into an E-Gold account in return of the hijacked files!Definitely, Ransomware is on the rise and they are trying different technologies andmodes of transaction.Â

In the wake of these emerging Ransomwares and the increasing media attention thatthey are attracting, thereÂ's another breed trying to make the most of it by cashingin on the general ignorance of users. A recently found malware termed as Ransom.A,would scare the infected user with a full screen message every time he logs on. Thecoercing message tells the user that one file per 30 minutes will be deleted fromthe hard drive and the files will be restored when user pays up $10.99 via WesternUnion. The fact is that the Trojan is just a pretentious bully and doesnÂ't to dowhat it claims!

Experts at MicroWorld have been closely monitoring the metamorphosis of Ransomwareand how it could play out in the future. Govind Rammurthy, CEO, MicroWorldTechnologies, observes  Ransomware is in its fledgling stages and has still notgrown to a level where it can become a large scale threat. But whatÂ's worrying isthe fact that this breed is fast advancing in technology and can be used inenterprise level information hijack and extortion. Its newfound connection withinternational Drug Syndicate, emerging with  MayArchiveÂ', is another cause ofconcern as well.Â

MicroWorld (www.mwti.net ) is the developer of the world's first Real-TimeAnti-Virus and Content Security software eScan for desktops and servers. Itscommunication security software, MailScan is the first comprehensive e-mail scannerfor your SMTP/POP3 Mail Server. MicroWorld Winsock Layer (MWL) is the revolutionarytechnology underlying these products, powering them to several certifications andawards by some of the most prestigious testing bodies, notable among them beingVirus Bulletin, Checkmark, TUCOWS, Red Hat Ready, and Novell Ready. Combining theirpowerful scanner with MWL technology, MicroWorld solutions provide a Real-TimeProactive security for your systems. For network security of enterprises, eConcealFirewall is the latest powerful offering from MicroWorld.

To learn more, kindly visit http://www.mwti.net

Source: Express-Press-Release.com

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