“Cerber Ransomware” scam attacks your computer
Kelowna RCMP have been warning us about a variety of scams lately – well, here's another one.
Corporal Jesse O'Donaghey says the "Cerber Ransomware" scam targets victims through an email message, which when opened, instantly infects your computer files.
"Often it's a pop-up window that appears on their screen and the window demands that the victim pay a ransom in order to regain full access to their personal computer," says O'Donaghey. "It can also be the result of clicking a link in an email or embedded in an email that can lead to the same outcome."
O'Donaghey says the victim attempted to pay the ransom of a $1,000 in bitcoins, but was unsuccessful – in fact, he says the victim luckily did not suffer any financial loss or loss of private information as a result of the scam.
O'Donaghey reminds you to never click on a pop-up that claims your computer has a virus – and avoid opening emails and email attachments from unknown sources, especially .zip files.
Also ensure your anti-virus software is active and up to date.
