Malware targets victims and demands ransom
A Japanese virus is holding web users to ransom by displaying their net history on a public website and demanding a fee for its removal.
The Trojan installs itself on computers using file-share service Winni which has a user base of 200m people.
The virus, known as Kenzero, fixes onto illegally downloaded copies of explicit computer games and deviously requests users’ details, masquerading as the game’s start-up screen.
As many as 5,500 people have admitted being infected by the program which publishes screenshots of the user’s history and publishes it alongside their name.
It will then request a ransom payment of 1500 Yen (£10) to have the page removed from website Romancing Inc.
Web users worried about falling victim to the scam are being urged that if they want to access such material, to do so from a ‘reputable’ website, even if it means paying for content.
Ransomware as its known is not a new phenomenon. It infects computers and encrypts files until the user hands over a settlement fee.
Those who are receiving pop-up requests demanding a settlement fee are being told to ignore them and run an anti-malware scanner.
