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There is a particularly devious type of malicious software that locks users out of their own computer systems until an individual agrees to pay a ransom to the hackers. In these cases, the FBI has surprisingly suggested just ponying up the dough.
It's not the type of advice one would typically expected from the FBI, but that's exactly what was recommended by Joseph Bonavolonta, the assistant special agent in charge of the FBI's CYBER and Counterintelligence Program Boston office.
"The ransomware is that good," said Bonavolonta at the 2015 Cyber Security Summit in Boston, as quoted by Security Ledger. "To be honest, we often advise people just to pay the ransom."
Yeah, it's RT, but I did a search, and that or similar headlines popped up on dozens of news sites. I clicked a couple of them, and the stories match. Try this one,
https://thehackernews.com/2015/10/fbi-ransomware-malware.html
Personally, I can almost certainly afford to nuke and reinstall, unless they get my RAID array. Then - I'd have to think hard.
(Score: 4, Interesting) by Runaway1956 on Thursday October 29 2015, @03:32PM
1. Linux isn't immune to anything, really. Generally, Linux users are savvy enough to avoid this kind of thing, and permissions are stricter, but Linux can be exploited.
2. You're right - several articles claim that to date, no Linux system has been hit with ransomware.
It's probably safest to assume that it will happen, but as usual, few virus writers support Linux.
(Score: 3, Interesting) by jcross on Thursday October 29 2015, @04:41PM
"...as usual, few virus writers support Linux."
I love the way you put that. One case where crappy Linux support is actually a good thing.
(Score: 1) by cats on Sunday November 08 2015, @02:36AM
Surprising really considering that if ransomware started targeting EC2 instances and shutting down startups they'd probably be able to get x10 the ransom.