Avrem Technologies

Avrem Technologies, LLC is dedicated to providing the highest quality IT services possible. This dedication to service includes informing the company's clients about the latest security threats that emerge. CryptoLocker is a ransomware trojan virus which targets computers running Microsoft Windows and first surfaced in September 2013. The virus can... come from various sources, but the primary method of infection comes disguised as a legitimate email attachment. When activated, the malware encrypts, or locks, common files such as pictures, music, and documents with a special key. The key is then securely sent over the internet and held for ransom until the user is forced to pay the "fee" for unlocking the computer. If the ransom is not paid within 72-hours or the virus is removed/tampered with, the key is immediately destroyed. Viruses in the past have attempted this method of ransoming money from normal computer users, but the reason why CryptoLocker is so dangerous is there is currently no reliable method of safely removing the virus. The virus can be removed, but your files still stay locked and unavailable for access. This can be extremely frustrating especially if these files are not backed-up on an external device such as a flash drive, external hard drive, or cloud backup. The single best way to avoid being afflicted with the CryptoLocker virus is to practice safe surfing habits. By following these steps, you can help insure your computer will never be affected by this or any troublesome virus: 1.) Keep your operating system and web browser up-to-date.Read More