Malware encrypts your files, holds them ransom

Think scammers only want your credit card numbers? They’re also looking for your cash, and they are encrypting your files to do it.

IT experts from Idaho State University said because it’s the holiday season, hackers are emailing ZIP files purporting to be messages from FedEx or UPS.

If you download and open those attachments the malware encrypts files.

The scammers then ask for money – anywhere from $100 to $2,000 – to restore access to those files through a decryption key.

According to Forbes (http://onforb.es/19dUE6o), the “ransomware,” called Cryptolocker, is becoming more common. The best way to protect yourself is to back up your files and avoid opening suspicious attachments.