Ransomware

[BigV]

You've heard of malware, spyware, spamware, etc. Move over, boys, there's a new ware in town: ransomware.

This evil code encrypts the contents of your computer with its own (very) large key, and then offers you the chance to get your data back by paying a fee.

Kaspersky Lab said last week that it detected a new version of the ransomware type of Gpcode Virus that essentially holds your data hostage until you pay up. It encrypts files on the hard drive using an RSA algorithm with a 1024-bit key and leaves a message that advises the victim to buy a decryptor and provides an e-mail address to contact.

more here and here.