Your computer has been locked by Ransomware

Your computer has been locked by Ransomware

The Tennessee Office of Homeland Security is aware of the increased activity concerning a DHS themed Ransomware malware infection. The Ransomware falsely claims to be from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the National Cyber Security Division or FBI. Victims are advised that the use of their computer has been suspended and they must pay a fine to unblock it.

The Tennessee Office of Homeland Security has advised callers not to pay the perpetrators and to report the incident to FBI at http://www.IC3.gov.

One iteration of this compromise takes a webcam (if available) photo or video of the “victim” and posts it in a pop-up to add the legitimacy.

Below are sites that can aid in protecting your computer and yourself.

US-CERT webpage:
http://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/current-activity/2013/03/21/Recent-Reports-DHS-themed-Ransomware

Symantec’s webpage:
http://www.symantec.com/security_response/writeup.jsp?docid=2009-041513-1400-99&tabid=3

Bleepingcomputer (an International open source tool):
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/