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- Crypto-Ransomware Spreads into New Territories
Though crypto-ransomware detections are prevalent in regions like North America and Europe, we have noted a spike in incidences outside of these territories. Much interest in the Critroni or Curve-Tor-Bitcoin (CTB) Locker—an old crypto-locker variant—is already being noticed in Asia. Though the number of detections in these new territories is not as large, it can still be a precursor for more widespread crypto-ransomware incidents in the near future.
What is crypto-ransomware?
It is a type of ransomware that encrypts a user’s system or files in exchange for money. This prevents a user from accessing his files or computer.
[More: Ransomware 101: What It Is and How It Works]
How is CTB Locker different from other crypto-ransomware variants?
How does a user get infected by CTB Locker?
What is CTB Locker’s impact in new territories?
Below are the top affected countries outside of the US and EMEA. The reasons behind the incidences vary, but the most probable causes are poor browsing habits and the lack of proper and updated security solutions installed.
In case users are already infected, can they still retrieve their data?
Though the promise of getting their data back by paying ransom are tempting, they should not. More often than not, chances of retrieving the encrypted data are slim even if they pay. The best way to protect against this type of ransomware is through prevention.
How can users avoid getting infected by CTB Lockers?
They can do the following:
“We are continuously monitoring for new variants and changes in crypto-ransomware behavior as well as developing solutions against them. The spikes we're seeing right now in new territories show us that the impact of this kind of malware is still increasing. We always advise the public to exercise caution.”
—Paul Oliveria, Technical Communications Manager, TrendLabs
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