Dumb hackers leave encryption keys on victims' PCs
The latest Crypto ransomware scam – CryptoDefense – leaves victims with a key to unlock their own PC, according to security researchers.
The aggressive CryptoLocker ransomware appeared last year, locking files on victims' computers and only offering a decryption key in return for payment of a ransom.
The success of the scam – it had infected an estimated 250,000 PCs between September and December last year – has encouraged copycats, with CryptoDefense appearing in February and demanding $500 for a key to unlock files. According to security firm Symantec, the latest iteration is earning its creators $34,000 a month, but while previous versions have been uncrackable without payment, CryptoDefense includes flaws that could allow victims to escape with payment.
