Ransomware
Ransomware is a relatively new and nasty Internet scam. It is a serious criminal act that is based upon a computer user's fear of losing important data and information.
This type of attack involves hacking into a user's system and encrypting critical files. The user is then be notified of this by e-mail and told that the only way to recover the files is by sending money to the blackmailer who will then reveal the password that will decrypt the files.
This type of threat is not reported often but it is believed that many people would rather pay the ransom and get their files back than go to the authorities with the fear that their files will never be recovered.
Next: Ransomware Quiz
