ransomware

A new scam is roaming on the Internet that tries to make money on blackmailing you over your porn website visits or illegal downloads. The Kenzero Trojan out of Japan is a Trojan of the “ransomware” variety, where a malicious program masquerading as a game registration window takes your personal details then attempts to extort money out of you.

Russian police launched an investigation into a criminal gang that installed malicious "ransomware" programs on thousands of PCs and then forced victims to send SMS messages in order to unlock their PCs. According to local reports that scam may have brought Russian criminals millions of dollars.

Russian police seized computer equipment and detained a Russian "crime family" in connection with the crime. 10 people are expected to be charged. Tens of thousands victims affected by the scam live in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova.