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Washington (pte018/25.05.2005/10:40) - Computer hackers have found a new way to frustrate computer and Internet users. Rather than destroying data or stealing passwords, Internet criminals are taking possession of personal electric documents, locking them up and demanding money to get them back.
A San Diego-based security research company Websense Inc http://www.websense.com recently uncovered such a case. A corporate client's files were encrypted and a ransom note demanding US$200 for their recovery was demanded.
A security manager for Symantec Corporation http://www.symantec.com Oliver Friedrichs, said: "This is equivalent to someone coming into your home, putting your valuables in a safe and not telling you the combination."
The latest attack, dubbed 'ransom-ware' by experts, has lead to the updating of protective software for consumers and companies.
Joe Stewart a researcher from Lurhq Corp was able to unlock the files, but he warns that more sophisticated versions of the file hostage-taking could be harder to crack.
The recent case infected computers that had vulnerable Internet software whilst they were browsing a vandalized website. The virus locked about 15 types of files and sent a ransom note demanding the money.
The FBI says that setting a relatively low ransom tries to encourage people to pay up quickly without notifying the police.
The website from which the infection originated has been found and shut down. Authorities have suggested that the bank transaction records could lead to the hacker's downfall because bank transactions are easier track than email addresses.
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