Watch out for the FBI!

Stuart Miles /FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Well not the real FBI, but a virus. There has been a recent breakout of the FBI Virus that is going around the country. Some of you have may been infected already. This is a virus that is ever changing and is undetectable by most virus scanning programs at this time. The latest version of the extortion ransom-ware uses the name of the Internet Crime Complaint Center and F.B.I. to frighten victims into sending money to the perpetrators. In addition to instilling a fear of prosecution, this version of the malware also claims that the user’s computer activity is being recorded using audio, video, and other devices.

As described in prior alerts on this malware, it lures the victim to a drive-by download website, at which time the ransom-ware is installed on the user’s computer. Once installed, the computer freezes and a screen is displayed warning the user they have violated United States Federal Law. The message further declares that a law enforcement agency has determined that a computer using the victim’s IP address has accessed child pornography and other illegal content.

To unlock the computer, the user is instructed to pay a fine using prepaid money card services. The geographic location of the user’s PC determines what payment services are offered. In addition to the ransom-ware, the malware continues to operate on the compromised computer and can be used to commit online banking and credit card fraud.

This is not a legitimate communication from the IC3 of course, but rather is an attempt to extort money from the victim. If you have received this or something similar do not follow payment instruction. Please call us at 412-254-3044 or send us an email helpme@2mcomputers.com

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A few tips and reminders to help prevent infection

• Never open any emails or files that you aren't sure about.
• Do not click links in emails unless you are 100% sure of the endpoint. You can hover your mouse over them to see were the really go.
• Do not click on ads or messages that seem “too good to be true”.
• Do not click or choose to do updates for JAVA and Flash that pop up in the middle of the screen.
  
• Do not install any other software you are asked too unless you initiated it.