What is Digg?89 Comments
- inactive, on 10/12/2007, -7/+31IF you can't write catchy headlines, don't comaplin about not getting dugg to the front page. Why would anyone want to click on a link that says nothing but Ransomeware? I wouldn't even have any idea what it WAS.
- mrgreen4242, on 10/12/2007, -5/+25Doesn't matter... just patent it anyways and then sue them for infringment!
- harmlessinc, on 10/12/2007, -2/+17Fat Tony:
"It would be a shame if something were to happen to your files..." - valkyries, on 10/12/2007, -24/+37obviously you arent a gamer
- inactive, on 10/12/2007, -18/+30This is really old news:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7961600/
From May of last year....sorry, but digg has gotten exceptionally lame lately... - Drood, on 10/12/2007, -6/+17Dammit, I wish I'd thought of this business model.
- karamba_kid, on 10/12/2007, -9/+20It will if you are stupid enough to run windows on it!
- aran86, on 10/12/2007, -13/+22looks like a job for... knoppix!
- jtxx000, on 10/12/2007, -2/+10Do the people who modded this down have any idea what they are talking about? Knoppix is a linux live cd that would be ideal for this situation. Simply turn off the computer before the virus gets a chance to delete anything, insert the live cd, and turn the computer back on. Your computer boots into linux which is immune to windows viruses where you can remove it without worrying about it causing damage. After it has been removed just reboot taking the live cd out and you're back to windows - without the virus.
- VMark, on 10/12/2007, -2/+9Yes, and I can see the average Windows user using a Linux live cd like Knoppix.
- Staryx, on 10/12/2007, -9/+15Well, when everyone submits a story they recently see, and people who didn't hear about the first time around find it interesting enough to digg, you get stuff like this. It's the nature of the site, and unless our Digg Overlords hire some editors to filter out repeat stories, we'll have to live with it.
- tokachu, on 10/12/2007, -5/+11Sophos says they've protected against this since "26 April 2006 08:00:02 (GMT)". That's yesterday.
Care to retract your "old news" statement? - fani, on 10/12/2007, -1/+6one safe to get around this would be to use a linux live cd like Knoppix and offload/burn your important files to a CD.
Then format, blow away everything and re-install and this time, install a proper Antivirus/Firewall like ZoneAlarm AV and or the free AVG and exercise proper caution.
No sense blaming Windows/Microsoft for everything. Sometimes the fault is not with Microsoft but with the users.
Ignorance is not bliss in technology. - cartwheels, on 10/12/2007, -4/+9Firefox NoScript=FTW
Plus good old fashioned care about the sites you view... - Yoshi39, on 10/12/2007, -7/+12I just noticed how the post above me had - 124 diggs which meant that 120 people couldn't resist to look.
- tdowling, on 10/12/2007, -1/+6Go to a busy public place and yell "Grandma!" really loud. Whoever turns to look probably has a good chance of being one of those folks that you'd like to meet.
- EGOvoruhk, on 10/12/2007, -2/+6That's an old story, about a different problem. If you read the article linked, you would see that they mention how they are similar
- d4rkn1ght, on 10/12/2007, -1/+5VMark wrote:
“A "power user" wouldn't get this virus in the first place.”
Yes, you’re right. But a power-user can help the regular user by doing the things fani explained. - nordberg, on 10/12/2007, -1/+4I hope Sophos did not "crack" the encryption on an American computer. They would be in contravention of the DMCA! Badly written laws!
- Cerebral, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3Seriously why do people want to take down microsoft?
I use windows... I use linux... I have used OSX. The reason why I CHOOSE windows for the majority of my stuff is simple... I have used it for a long time, know how to do what I want with it without stress, I do not get viruses/malware on my windows box, and I am a gamer.
No matter what anyone tries to say about it here are the true facts:
1. Linux is not "there" yet.. meaning that there are a lot of things that need to be done right in order for Linux to be able to be considered for a DESKTOP OS replacement. The fact that I can install all the plugins I need without hassle of compiling or searching for instructions on how to install a particular plugin for firefox is a major thing that will detour consumers. P.S. - I know how to use linux... I am simply making a statement about the majority of computer owners and difficulties they would have.
2. Mac is just too expensive of a machine to try to justify the cost. I'm sorry but it is. I agree that yes you get great software, hardware and the like with it but I do not need to spend $1700 bucs for an iMac. I will also say that the first thing that has really caught my eye is the Mac Mini which I do plan on purchasing. The other downside to mac is that if it doesn't come bundled in by apple with the initial purchase of the computer, software is more expensive. This is true if you look at things like Quicken, all those little calendar creator programs, games (although this has changed recently), tax return software as well as all the other things the people like to buy. They are all $10 to $20 more for a Mac version. Also there is a broader variety of software for PC. This arguement has changed from 3 years ago. There are lots of things that Mac has now however you have to remember that the people who are buying PCs are also the people who like to walk into a store and "touch" the box of the software and read the package.
3. Windows machines are cheap. Computers have become in a lot of ways dispensable in the recent years (desktops not laptops) with an average usage cycle of 6mo. to 3 years(5 for business unless other needs arise). The 6mo. comment is for gamers that like to stay on the "bleeding edge". There is enough easy to find freeware/shareware out there that will allow you to do just about anything you want to do. All of it easy to install and use. You can use windows your whole life without ever needing to touch the command line. With linux you live and die by the command line. The majority of computer users will never touch the command line. Heck they would never even use the "Run" command if it was not in some instruction manuals for installation of the product.
Ok now you can MOD me down. - Rmplstltskn, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3I think that's hilarious. If my computer froze and told me to send money via western union I would start looking for TV cameras in the room.
- AbstractEgo, on 10/12/2007, -2/+5You barely speak your own language... So it's hard to expect someone else to..
- ragingchikn, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3So wait.... if it freezes the computer, how does it then demand a ransom? Does it send you a letter through snail mail?
- lordthor, on 10/12/2007, -3/+6"looks like a job for... knoppix!"
Well said, kimosabi. Knoppix rox my sox. I keep a live disk Knoppix version at my work on my disk wall, at home, on my computer case, and glued to the back of my boss's head. - stoops, on 10/12/2007, -7/+10There's a lot of hate on digg... a lot of hate.
- ChrisGranger, on 10/12/2007, -3/+6Didn't Sony come up with this idea? =p
/sarcasm - e3mw, on 10/12/2007, -6/+9This is old... But seriously I'd like to meet the person who would actually send money and expect for this malware to unlock his/her computer.
- m00kie, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2yeah, you get a letter in your mailbox from the post office ... the return address is from "Brokeback Mountain".
LOL!!! - dbr_onix, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2"Linux and BSD are Unix-type OSes. They are far less vulnerable" is crap.. Look at www.milw0rm.com under platform, then windows and linux (not unix).. And there are many many exploits for linux/BSD software.. Why do all these servers etc run unix of some kind? Because, if you know how, you can secure it with a higher level of freedom..
Yeh, things like giving users the abilty to create their own distrubations of the OS, which are set up well, but, if the user with little computer knowlege, linux is going to be just as vulnerable as windows (Though most distrubtations are setup fairly well now, with firewalls, and make it clear not to log in as root all the time etc..)
I'm not saying linux isn't more or less secure, I'm saying that it's more possible to sercure linux compared to windows, espically for servers.. For home use, a firewall, router and a virus scanner will stop almost all threats, and keeping the OS up to date to prevent things like that fun WMF exploit from working, theres nothing insecure about windows, just like you have to secure linux, you need to secure windows.
The only difference between Linux and Windows is people are able to make their own distrubtations.. If you were allowed to resell Windows, with a preinstalled (decent..) Firewall and Virus Scanner, windows would be secure..
The peoplw who will get the trojan will be people without virus scanners, and since those level of computer-skilled-people tend to be on windows, the viruses will contiue to be made for that (their running as Admin almost all the time, say)..
Anyway... The article is kind of unclear.. if you just pull the plug, and reboot, I assume it doesn't just disappear.. And if not, can you shove the harddrive in another computer, or shove in a live CD, or even start up in safemode, and take the files off?
- Ben
{Edit, I suppose I should really point out I use Windows/Linux/OS X almost every day, Windows as a email/internet/gaming machine, linux as a server/coding platform, and to "learn" for fun mainly, and OS X for video/audio/graphics stuff} - ptbw, on 10/12/2007, -4/+6if the creator could collect on the money sent to Western Union, then couldn't they track him down pretty easily? but I doubt that the part of the script referring to which account to send it to even works.
- beargins, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2script kiddies? gyeah ok... this is hilarious though, use linux.. or better use BSD.
- mistshadow2k4, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2That's exactly what I thought. They must have somewhere to send the money, even if it's just a post office box, so tracking them down should be apiece of cake, especially for law enforcement.
- inactive, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2send them an email about how popular they will be in prison
unlock3713@yahoo.com - astrotrain, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1Interesting, why doesn't someone track down the lamer using the Western Union account? Or have Yahoo track down the IP associated with the email address?
Things that make you go hmmm..
Now, I feel bad for the average user who does not know better, and gets this mailware, especially if they do not
backup their data! - MrDo, on 10/12/2007, -4/+5Who uses Western Union for anything legit? I'd really like to know, because I have never heard of anyone using it.
Might be because all ppl behind the counter in the small stores where I live that does these transfers, doesn't speak my language and I wouldn't even trust them with my credit card. - CryingWolf, on 10/12/2007, -1/+2Well I hope the perp got caught!!! Don't drop the soap buddy!!!
- toastgodsupreme, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1Am I the only one glad to see more viruses with destructive payloads? These idiots don't learn if all the viruses they get are just easily removed with AV software. They need to be burned. Then they won't touch the stove again.
- sremick, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1"If you have a valid CIDN: Number and have problems uninstalling send a reuqest to
unlock3713@yahoo.com"
And how much you want to bet that while Yahoo will happily turn people over to the Chinese government for promoting democracy, they'll refuse to help track down who is behind unlock3713@yahoo.com - RyeBrye, on 10/12/2007, -1/+2I thought this article was talking about the new Microsoft Nagware... but I guess it is talking about something else.
Remember: We don't negotiate with virii. - mistshadow2k4, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1When my husband's aunt was sick other family members in another state sent money by Western Union to help out. 'Course it took so long to get to us (5 days after it was supposed to have arrived!) that none of have bothered with Western Union again and probably never will. Faster to wrap the money in something so hide it and mail it.
- inactive, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1these script kiddies are so cute...
Troj/Ransom-A displays pornographic pictures and the following message:
environment locked
windows locked
listen up *****
is this computer valuable. it better not be.
is this a business computer. it better not be.
do you keep important company records or files on this computer.you'd better hope not.
because there are files scattered all over it tucked away in
invisible hidden folders undetectable by antivirus sofware
the only way to remove them and this message is by a CIDN number
This X.aip will load everytime you start windows scattering more and more copies of iteslf until your computer is fried to a pulp. until then you may even noteice other programs missing critical files.
How to Remove it
Simple. you must receive a CIDN: number from Western Union
go to Western union, fill out the grey form labelled "SwiftPay" pay $10.99 as your customer access number enter "4 8 7 0 9 3 0 1 0 1 3 0 8 6 9 7"
you may sign any name, i.e John Doe.
and wait for a receipt from the clerk. Look on the top right-hand corner of the receipt for a number that starts with CIDN: i.e CIDN: 203-093-1903
comback to this computer an enter your CIDN number. The uninstall process will begin.
note: if you don't pay exactly $10.99 you will generate an invalid CIDN number and be forced to start all over.
If you have a valid CIDN: Number and have problems uninstalling send a reuqest to
unlock3713@yahoo.com I will research the problem and if applicable send a alternate CIDN: universal key by email.
Troj/Ransom-A spawns multiple processes of itself and when attempting to kill the process, it displays a picture and the following message:
Yeah, We don't die, We multiply!
Ctrl+Alt+Del isn't quite working today, is it? I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed but
Crtl+Alt+Del is everyone's S.O.S - MYarms, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1well said.
- deepsub, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1My dad's OS can kick your dad's OS's butt!
In beta! - jesuspenguin, on 10/12/2007, -2/+3turgor, while I doubt that windows rules the universe, it is the operating system choice of the vast majority... and thus is the most frequently targeted for viruses and malware. Why would a hacker bother to write malicious code for, say, Linux, if most of their users are smart enough to prevent or fix it? It's simply easier to write viruses that will infect a lot of... dare I say it... tech know-nothing's machines. True, windows has its exploits, but so does every other operating system.
- mistshadow2k4, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1koshak, get a frigging clue. Microsfot doesn't make anything, their programmers do and they were already paid for it. Most other big companies in software are the same. It doesn't matter how well Windows may sell, the programmers who worked so ahrd will never a penny out of it beyond what they were originally paid to begin with, and the same goes for photoshop or what-have-you.
Only small companies are actually hurt by piracy -- big ones rake in the millions every year, often billions. And, as I've said before, I couldn't care less about rich people whining that they're nto making a much money as they *think* they shoudl be. - Chozabu, on 10/12/2007, -6/+7err, i dont have windows, and im quite sure i can be counted as a gamer
im not talking about consoles either, mostly i play lots of new small free games, but i also play ut2004
installed eve online through cedega for when my (eve-obbsessed) friend drops round
and, lots of games being open source is really quite an advantage, i just added a simple "ship upgrade" feature to triplix invaders - which has been brought into the main trunk (couple of other very minor features)
and me and a bunch of guys have had much fun messing around with modded versions of blockofighter (though changin the level didnt go to well, messing around with the physics is great)
though there are a small number of games i really am not happy about being unable to play in linux (TES4:Oblivion for example) ive played it loads on a friends pc, and itll work under cedega soon, if im really desperate for something, i could plug in my old windows drive... but i dont think thatll be happening any time soon
seriously though, loads of games are released for linux and windows (doom3, quake4, ut2004 off the top of my head) and if *you* swich away from windows itll cut down their market share, increase that of other companies - and more games will be released for OS's other than windows - d4rkn1ght, on 10/12/2007, -1/+1VMark wrote:
“Yes, and I can see the average Windows user using a Linux live cd like Knoppix.”
Still a good idea for the power-user! The best the average user could do is to scan their system daily.
http://www.windowssecurity.uni.cc/
As long as these kind of malware are discover early, anti-virus will keep updating their definitions. - mistshadow2k4, on 10/12/2007, -2/+2"Why would a hacker bother to write malicious code for, say, Linux, if most of their users are smart enough to prevent or fix it?"
You have much to learn about *nix.
1. The entire internet is based on Unix. If Unix were even half as vulnerable to malware as Windows, the internet would just now be where it was in the early 90s, if it even existed at all because it would've been way too hard to maintain a server.
2. Linux and BSD are Unix-type OSes. They are far less vulnerable because of the way they are designed, not just because Windows has so much more market share. Sure, there would be more if Linux/BSD overtook Windows, but go read up on the recent rash of OS X exploits and you'll quickly see why that wouldn't be much of a problem -- the user has to have root access and run the malware themselves. Some would be foolish enough to do that, of course, but not so many.
So, learn something about Unix and stop spreading this nonsense around, ok? I'm so tired of people who really know so little about operating systems work saying this. Know what you're talking about before you state this or that as a fact!
Yeah, I may sound like a know-it-all here, but if you spout off a bunch of inaccuracies about the differences between 4 and 8 cylinder car engines, I doubt that you'd be surprised when a mechanic tells you that you're wrong. - Hewbie, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0wasnt the password "C:Program FilesMicrosoft Visual StudioVC98" ? without qoutes :D
http://www.lurhq.com/cryzip.html "Cryzip uses a commercial zip library in order to store files inside a password-protected zip. Although the zip encryption is stronger, a brute-force attack is still possible on the files, especially if one has a copy of the original file inside the zip. " lol - inactive, on 10/12/2007, -2/+2it wouldn't be hard to catch the guy doing this. since he has to turn up in person to collect. co operation between authorities might be a problem.
governments are really going to have to buckel down and get tough on these internet scammers it's totally out of control. -
Show 51 - 85 of 85 discussions
Browsing Digg on your phone just got easier with our enhancements to the 
© Digg Inc. 2009
— Content created and posted by Digg users is