[pchelpers] News: Hackers hold files for ransom in scam

 Hackers hold files for ransom in scam
The Times
June 01, 2005

LONDON: Hackers are holding computer files hostage in the latest hi-tech 
scam by organised gangs.

A spate of attacks on US companies is expected to be repeated elsewhere, 
with hackers locking up electronic documents and demanding a ransom.

Victims receive an email demanding $US200 ($263) for the digital key to 
unlock the files. If the payment is not made, the hackers threaten to 
destroy the documents or leave them frozen.

The ransom is so small that most victims pay rather than contact police 
or private investigators, who may take months to retrieve their files.

More here:
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,15472207%255E2703,00.html

-- 
Regards, John Durham <http://modecideas.com/contact.html?sig>
ICQ number 112663246
Fax/Phone 64 4 5286786
Award winning web site at http://modecideas.com?sig
PC-HELPERS list subscribe/unsub at http://modecideas.com/index.html?sig
Good advice is like good paint- it only works if applied.




-- 
-------list-services-below-----------
Regards, John Durham (list moderator) <http://modecideas.com/contact.html?sig>
Freelists login at http://www.freelists.org/cgi-bin/lsg2.cgi
List archives at http://www.freelists.org/archives/pchelpers
PC-HELPERS list subscribe/unsub at http://modecideas.com/discuss.htm?sig
Latest news live feeds at http://modecideas.com/indexhomenews.htm?sig
Good advice is like good paint- it only works if applied.

Other related posts: