WEEKLY GROSS-OUT: Ransomware

What we're dealing with here is a class of malware which restricts access to the computer system that it infects, and demands a ransom paid to the creator of the malware in order for the restriction to be removed. Some forms of ransomware encrypt files on the system's hard drive, while some may simply lock the system and display messages intended to coax the user into paying. And such an attack is happening in Germany, where federal police are warning about a computer virus that accuses victims of viewing "juvenile pornography" and displays an image that it claims reveals images of child sexual abuse have been viewed on a computer. The Windows virus, which purports to be collecting cash on behalf of German copyright authorities and the country's national computer security agency, locks the infected computer and only returns control to its owner on payment of a €100 fine. This amounts to digital extortion and you should never ever pay up. Instead, users should use anti-virus and other security software to clean up their PC and deal with the virus. Or, they could get a Mac. It'll be worth the extra cash.