A new bit of ransomware is now attacking Linux-based machines, specifically the folders associated with serving web pages. Called Linux.Encoder.1 the ransomware will encrypt your MySQL, Apache, and home/root folders. The system then asks for a single bitcoin to decrypt the files.
From Dr.Web Antivirus:
Once launched with administrator privileges, the Trojan dubbed Linux.Encoder.1 downloads files containing cybercriminals’ demands and a file with the path to a public RSA key. After that, the malicious program starts as a daemon and deletes the original files. Subsequently, the RSA key is used to store AES keys which will be employed by the Trojan to encrypt files on the infected computer.
(Score: 2) by HiThere on Sunday November 08 2015, @09:29PM
The point about backups is valid. Using BSD, however, won't protect you from something running as root. I can't think of much that would outside of runing a Write Once Read Many memory System. Worms, however, aren't common. The only thing I can think of that uses them are multi-session CDs.
Javascript is what you use to allow unknown third parties to run software you have no idea about on your computer.