Next, we quarantined 191 user computers by taking them off the network to stop the virus from spreading further.

Unfortunately, the only remedy to ransomware infections is to pay the ransom or restore an uninfected backup of the system.įirst, we identified the type of attack and communicated the situation to the employees. By the time our client became aware of the issue, the virus had locked 10% of the files on their server. Once the ransom notes started to appear, everyone realized they had a serious problem. As they accessed other files, the virus spread throughout the IT infrastructure and into their network, infecting their main file storage as well as other computers. The virus started on their workstation computers, staying hidden as the employees continued to work. When an employee clicked on the files, nothing would open, however, secretly the infection began to take over. The Crytpotlocker virus started with emails containing subject lines like, “Here’s that document I was supposed to send you,” made to look like a reply to a previous email. Their employees noticed important files were missing, and then the ransom notes started to appear on their computers, demanding they pay a fine to unlock the files. It even has happened to one of our clients. IT CAN HAPPEN TO ANYONEĮven the most cautious individuals are at risk for Cryptolocker. Once the files are locked, it’s impossible to recover them.

The files become encrypted and not even an antivirus software can help. Once the files are infected, you will receive a message, or “ransom note,” explaining you cannot access your files unless you pay a “fine.” WHAT IS CRYPTOLOCKER?Ĭryptolocker is a type of ransomware virus that infects your computer and secretly encrypts office documents, images, and other important files.

Learn how to keep your organization safe and minimize the risk of infections. Just one email can cost you thousands of dollars.Ī ransomware virus known as Cryptolocker has been infecting businesses through email and can cause crippling data loss. Keeping your business’s data safe from computer viruses is a crucial part to maintaining uptime.

Crypto locker files