Warning: Cyber scam on the rise again

[Leo Nguyen]

Here's a summarize article: https://blogs.microsoft.com/on-the-issues/2017/05/18/fight-tech-sup...

This is a very old scam that had been running for over a decade now. However, new operating system, new software, and new ways to attack the cyber domain more effectively.

My friend here just got off the phone with me, indicated that his computer was held hostage by a non-functioning PC. He can turn the system on, but he cannot log in. This is the method called "Ransom Ware". Free software out there provide you some kind of half baked service, such as cleaning your system, repairing your system from Adware, but in reality, it provides a nice hack-hole to gain access to your system. It initiate a MalWare (malicious software) and maintain dormancy. Most antivirus software can detect the malware scripts, but the evolution of the scripts can in fact be programmed to bypass antivirus scanning software quite easily the moment you install the free software. 

He received a call from some person pretending to be the Microsoft tech, who offers service to remove the malware a fee, or my friend won't be able to get into his system. The hackers tend to attack the computer using this scam near holidays, when they know there are plenty of accounts primed for buying gifts and travelling. Today happens to be that "Cyber Monday", in which billions are moving through the internet world. Hackers love this type of days.

1. Please folks, have yourselves a spare USB/External SATA hard drive on the side to back up your documents every few weeks.
2. Make sure that hard drive can be powered down and safely stored away from the active computer. Always be ready to have a restoring disk to recover your system, just in case these knuckleheads strike.
3. Always make sure to have your antivirus updated and ready to go. It will provide some protection, and not all.
4. Always have at least 1 geeky friend nearby to assist when the crap hits the fan.