Trend Micro is reporting that a new ransomware scam is spreading across Japan. A Japanese cybergang has infected a popular file sharing service called Winny with a Trojan. The malware hides as fake installers for pornographic games. “The installer asks a whole series of personal questions, including name, date of birth, phone number, mailing address, more »

Fake anti-virus software has been the scourge of the net for awhile now, but hackers are now taking it a step further and making it even more sinister. Panda Labs says that Total Security 2009 starts out like most fake anti-viruses. It “scans” the victim’s computer and tells them they’ve got a serious infection, then more »

So called “Hit Man” spam is back. This type of spam attempts to extort people rather than sell them things or trick them into installing malware on their system. Basically, they get an email from someone claiming they have been hired to kill them but if they pay a certain amount the hit man will more »

Imagine being on your computer one day, minding your own business, surfing the web-and then suddenly finding yourself locked out of your own computer! A message pops up on your screen saying control will be returned to you-for a price. It might even tell you dire things will happen to your files if you don’t pay. Is it a joke? No. Unfortunately you’ve got ransomware.

The author of the infamous ransomware virus has finally been identified. The virus began hitting computers in July and used a Trojan called Delf.ctk which encrypted all the files on the infected computer, rendering them inaccessible, then demanded victims call a 900 number and pay $35 to get them back. The payment processor used is also used by various porn sites.

The author is believed to be a Russian national, and security experts think he’s probably behind similar ransomware attacks on 2006 and 2007. The latter demanded $300, so this new attack was somewhat of a bargain. Sources close to the authorities investigating the hacker say he also tried to profit from his malware by attempting to sell a tool that will restore access to files on infected computers to at least one security company.