How to Prevent the CryptoLocker Virus
The CryptoLocker virus is NASTY!
It’s “ransomware” that infects your computer via phishing email attachments or drive-by downloads, scans your hard drive, and encrypts its contents so you can no longer access your own files, including your Operating System!
If you want to regain access to your system, you have to pay a ransom. And even paying doesn’t guarantee the decryption of your system.
CryptoLocker truly is a nasty new form of malware.
Once infected, you’re pretty much dead in the water. However, prevention is fairly easy.
I use Comodo CIS (a full anti-virus and anti-malware suite) and they have an awesome guide right here:
http://blogs.comodo.com/pc-security/cryptolocker-virus-best-practices-to-ensure-100-immunity/
Bottom line: Download Comodo CIS and browse within their “sandbox” which is available for Internet Explorer, Chrome, and Firefox. It’s good stuff.
Also, make sure your critical data files are backed up, preferably in the cloud.