Mousey
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FBI warns of Reveton 'ransomware' scam that freezes Windows PCs, accuses you of a crime, and requests you pay fines to unlock computer.
By Mathew J. Schwartz InformationWeek
August 15, 2012 10:35 AM
Has your Windows PC frozen up, displaying a lock screen with warnings from the FBI that the PC has been used to illegally access or distributed copyrighted material, or "prohibited pornographic content"?
If so, then you're likely dealing with "ransomware" known as Reveton, which freezes PCs and opens a window telling people that if they want to regain control, they'll need to pay a "fine" via a prepaid money card service. Helpfully, a "pay MoneyPak" code-entry box is even helpfully included on the lock screen. But unlocking a Reveton-infected PC can be difficult, owing to the malware often being deployed in conjunction with other malware that's designed to block users from accessing security websites.
The FBI last week issued a warning that the number of Reveton infections has recently been surging. "We're getting inundated with complaints.....