FBI Virus Scam

FBI Virus Infection and Removal

Has the FBI or Department of Justice’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Division really seized your computer due to your online activity? NO! Are you supposed to send a $200 payment for them to unlock your system for you? NO!  This Ransomware scam, demanding payment has infected computer users world-wide as early as May 2011. Consumers beware that if you see this message appear on your screen, unplug your system and bring it to a reputable Tech Repair Center to ensure the complete removal of this drive by malware infection.

What is the FBI Virus?

Most consumers know better than to open any file attachments, which is the original method of virus infection. The latest tricks used currently include Ransomware. This particular FBI warning is termed the Reveton Virus. According to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), the Reveton Virus is used in conjunction with Citadel Malware, which can launch multiple types of infections which can even turn on webcams to display a picture of YOU! Cyber Crime has increased significantly over the past few years as more and more people rely on the Internet and browse without properly protecting their data or locking down their wireless security. These types of infections are not necessary preventable by only using a secure wireless Internet connection, but it is a great primary layer of protection. Other measures would include staying clear of websites with questionable content and to never open a link or an attachment from an email unless you were waiting for it to arrive or the website link is from a recognized website that you are familiar with.

The IC3 suggests the following if you become a victim of the Reveton virus:

• Do not pay any money or provide any personal information.
• Contact a computer professional to remove Reveton and Citadel from your computer.
• Be aware that even if you are able to unfreeze your computer on your own, the malware may still operate in the background. Certain types of malware have been known to capture personal information such as user names, passwords, and credit card numbers through embedded keystroke logging programs.
• File a complaint and look for updates about the Reveton virus on the IC3 website.

For further information about protecting yourself from this new type of “Ransomware”, give the experts at Orange County Computer^®®, Inc. a call today. To schedule on-site appointments call 949-699-6619 or simply drop your system off for service at our Tech Repair Center in Lake Forest. We are happy to help. Browse Safely!