Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure.11 3
A Trojan advertising fake anti-virus software.
Ransomware
Some new, very nasty Trojans are called
ransomware
. These Trojans encrypt files on the system, such as photos,
music, and documents. The Trojan then displays a message describing how to get the files back. Retrieval inevitably
involves sending a payment over the Internet to an unknown destination with the promise that once the money is
received, you will receive the key to unlock your files. The key doesn't exist and the damage is already done, however.
You will not get your files unlocked. Your best protection against ransomware is to frequently back up your system on
an external hard drive. That way, if you fall prey to this type of Trojan, you can simply copy the files from your backup
drive. You'll learn more about backing up your system later in this chapter.
