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The Crypto Locker virus is considered to be a historically devastating virus because it holds your computer hostage until you pay a ransom. The Crypto Locker virus is easy to get and almost impossible to get rid of, unless you pay a ransom of up to $700. “The CryptoLocker Virus - which not only has the potential to destroy a computer hard drive, but holds the computer owners data ransom -infects computers through a legitimate-looking email, usually from a reputable company like FedEx or UPS,” reported University Herald on Oct. 26, 2013.

More specifically, the Crypto Locker virus is typically spread through emails that pretend to be customer support related issues from Fedex, UPS, DHS, etc. These emails contain a zip attachment that when opened will infect the computer. These zip files contain executables that are disguised as PDF files as they have a PDF icon and are typically named something like FORM_101513.exe or FORM_101513.pdf.exe. Since Microsoft does not show extensions by default, they look like normal PDF files and people open them.

The Crypto Locker virus, also written as CryptoLocker virus, is a ransomware computer program which holds your computer hostage until you pay a ransom. Holding your computer hostage, in this case, means that you will not be able to use any information on your computer unless you pay a ransom.

The Crypto Locker virus was released around the beginning of September of 2013 and shows up on your computer with a display which shows a Crypto Locker payment program that asks you to send a ransom, usually either $100 or $300 in order to decrypt the files.

The Crypto Locker virus screen might be asking for even more money, but it will display a timer stating that you have 96 hours, or 4 days, to pay the ransom, or it will delete your encryption key and you will not have any way to decrypt your files. This ransom must be paid using MoneyPak vouchers or Bitcoins.

Once you send the payment and it is verified, the program promises that it will decrypt the files that it encrypted, at least that is what the Crypto Locker virus screen promises. However, even when paying the ransom demanded by the Crypto Locker virus screen, one might not get all of the encrypted files back.

Before deciding to pay a ransom to get rid of the Crypto Locker virus, it is a good idea to visit CryptoLocker Ransomware Information Guide and FAQ, a website which discusses the Crypto Locker virus in detail and which continually updates its information.

While the website’s information about the Crypto Locker virus might sound too technical for some, it does provide helpful information on whether or not to pay a ransom, how to delay paying ransom, and what other options might be available. If the website is too difficult to understand, consulting a computer techie might be the best first step to deal with the Crypto Locker virus.

For computer techies, following some of the instructions on the website provides useful information on how to block the Crypto Locker virus, how to generate a list of files that have been encrypted by the Crypto Locker virus, and how to potentially restore files that were affected by the Crypto Locker virus.

Unfortunately, the Crypto Locker virus is not the first nor will it be the last virus that is attacking computer users. As such, the Crypto Locker virus is an important reminder to follow three major rules:

1. Always back up any information from your computer that you do not want to lose (files, documents, pictures).
2. Opening any files or links in your e-mail could be a virus, no matter how trustworthy the sender might sound. (A most recent method of spreading a virus is sending it under a friend’s name.)
3. Computer problems are going to happen; it is just a matter of time. Whether it is through a Crypto Locker virus, technical failure, or other incident, nothing on a computer is forever.

Many companies and businesses around the world, have not yet upgraded from Windows XP and Office 2003. Businesses did not feel the need to upgrade their systems because they have put tremendous pressure on Microsoft to continue supporting an already aged operating system.

However, within the next year, Microsoft will cease to support its longest ever supported operating system (over 12 years). Microsoft has recently released a statement inviting companies to take a leap towards Windows 8 and Office 2013.

As such, it is important for companies to begin the process of transitioning into a more secure operating system as quickly and smoothly as possible. Newer operating systems offer a much more efficient alternative for businesses. Over the past decade, these operating systems have considerably improved the ease of use by employees and IT managers, increasing companies’ productivity. They also have the important advantage of being supported by Microsoft, such as the one Windows 7 or 8 has over Windows XP.

But what do we really mean by saying that an operating system is supported by Microsoft? Well, it basically means that your business will miss out on important updates to its security systems leaving your company unprotected against new threats and threatening its productivity and the company's and employees' sensitive information.

In addition, Windows 8 has an easy-to-use “User Access Control” feature that allows you to control user access and to determine who gets to be a system administrator. In the short term, you will still be able to run Microsoft XP applications as Windows 8 tricks your system into believing that the operating system is still Microsoft XP. However, any newly designed Windows 8 application and will require the newer operating system to be installed.    

Some of the benefits that Windows 8 offer include a much faster system than Windows XP which can in turn maximize productivity and allow for more high-end programs to run smoothly, if we consider that these programs are problematic when they run on older operating systems. Windows 8 has a much quicker power-off speed than any Windows XP machine.

By upgrading to the newer operating systems you will not only protect your company and your employees, but you will also boost productivity. Microsoft’s early announcement of such a decision is actually meant to assist companies begin and successfully complete the transition process with minimal interruption to businesses.

When it comes to computer jargon, there are tons of different terms that many use interchangeably and improperly. One common misconception is the idea that a virus and a malware are the same thing and that an antivirus program will rid a computer of both. Unfortunately that’s not true.

What is malware?
Malware is a broad term that encompasses a vast amount of malicious programs designed to infect or harm a computer. Such malware includes viruses, adware, spyware, worms, and more. They all have different methods but each one has a specific target: to infect your computer.

What is a virus?

As mentioned earlier a virus is actually a type of malware, but it’s quite different than the rest of the malwares. A virus’s intent is to infect your computer and cause problems (ie crashing it, preventing programs from opening, and more), but where it differs is that a virus can spread and replicate itself. Much like viruses that infect humans, the longer a virus is on a computer infecting it, the more replicas it will make of itself and the harder it will be to kill.

How to get rid of malware and viruses

An antivirus program targets viruses completely while a malware program searches for a broad spectrum of malicious programs. Fortunately for you there are tons of free programs available that should effectively clear up your computer from any type of malware! Check below for the top free antivirus programs and free malware programs.

Antivirus Programs:

AVG Free
Avast!
Comodo

Malware Programs:

Malwarebytes
Spybot Search & Destory
Combofix