(MSPAlliance) - Tuesday, April 25, 2006 - A new Kapersky Lab study shows that instances of cyber blackmail are up for the first three months of the year. Hackers have been moving away from traditional methods of stealing personal data and using infected computers as part of zombie networks to the new method of direct blackmail.
Kaspersky Lab's new report, "Malware Evolution: January to March 2006," shows that hackers encrypt data or corrupt system information, then demand what equates to a ransom for the return of system equilibrium. The hackers attach a text file demanding anywhere from $50 to $2,500 with instructions on how to restore systems and pay the ransom.
Users should not give in to blackmail, as this course will only embolden hackers to continue blackmailing others. The best protection is to avoid downloading files from unknown sources, running constant updates on antivirus protection and making regular system backups.
