Fake Email From Own Account Leads to Ransomware

Not so long after ransomware had been grabbing the headlines as more and more learned about the threats of the latest malware issue that a threat has appeared that could directly affect everyone and anyone. What was found was that a fake email from own account leads to ransomware that requires payment to unlock and resume using computer. As reported in the last blog post about ‘Ransomware’, the latest malware can become an even bigger problem than traditional malware.

When the Locky ransomware, or Dridex banking trojan aims to shut down a users computer and demands payment in order for the user to resume control over their system. But this particular ransomware works by an email appearing in your own inbox supposedly from yourself with the attached zip file titled ‘Document1’, or any number, and once downloaded will lock your system. The seemingly only way to unlock it is to pay a ransom of anything varying from several hundred US Dollars upwards.

But on top of these malicious hacks and attacks, is that not only does the malware lock your computer but it also attempts to steal passwords, bank details or any other form of personal data and then proceed to lock the system. The bot looks for specific details such as PayPal, Facebook or any other financial or social media information. The only way to combat this for now is to never download or open any attachment unless you know you are expecting it. Even if it might appear to come from a family member or friend, this is just way that the hackers try to fool you.

Make sure to warn others, especially those who are not so tech savvy as it is these people most likely to fall into the trap of opening up email attachments from people they know. To make sure you stay safe whenever you are online, always be mindful of email attachments, even if they do come from people you know. Most of the time it could be harmless, but it never hurts to check first. Even if you do download it, unless you open it you should be safe. If any file inside a zip ends in anything .JS or .EXE or .COM then do not open it. Simply deleting the zip folder should be adequate in staying safe.

To further increase your online security, by using a VPN service you will be protected from the threats you might not necessarily even see or actively cause. Sign up to Le VPN and stay safe no matter where you are.