Category: Geeks r Us
I'm astonished that this wasn't up here yet: there's a new virus abound called CryptoLocker. As far as I understand it, CryptoLocker gets into your file system and encrypts files. They charge a hefty fee (three hundred dollars, I think) to unlock the encryptien. Be careful!
This particular variant may be new, but I've seen malware like this before.
Ok??? So, what is it and how does one avoid getting it?
Like I said: It's a form of malware which locks away your files and makes you pay for an unlock. You can get it a myriad of ways: it can be in an email attachment, some got it off a website courtesy of a drive-by download, or it can be packaged into a download that you get.
So... how does one avoid getting it? Sounds like the only way of evading it is the good old "keep your antivirus up to date, scan with more than one program at least once a week, and don't open any suspicious attachments". It's basically the "eat well and exercise" of the internet world. You can't really insulate yourself against a specific threat unless you know which websites (or which types of emails) to watch out for.
and don't open executable attachments from anybody without scanning them first, and don't open emails from people you don't know.