Locky Ransomware |

Dear Readers,

After WannaCry, Judy Malware and now the latest buzz in cyberspace is Locky Ransomware. The global ransomware epidemic certainly isn’t going to die anytime soon. The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) has issued an alert on its website about the new Locky ransomware which spreads through spam emails. As many exams are approaching, there is a high possibility that you may see questions related to this topic in upcoming competitive exams.

Ransomware is a malicious software and the Locky Ransomware is learned to be demanding a ransom of half Bitcoin, which at present rate is equivalent to over Rs 1.5 lakh. The system infected by Locky Ransomware is getting locked or encrypted with random numbers with extension “.lukitus” or “.diablo6”. Lukitus is the Finnish word for locking. Victims are instructed to install the Onion Router Network (TOR) browser, which takes users to a decryption service if they pay the ransom.

We are concerned for our readers and followers and we suggest you be wary of any spam emails. Do exercise caution while opening emails as it has been reported that a new wave of spam emails is circulating with common subject lines to spread variants of Locky Ransomware. The e-mail messages contain common subjects like “please print”, “documents”, “photo”, “images”, “scans” and “pictures”. If you open these attachments, variants of Locky ransomware will automatically get downloaded on the computer.

You must take following measures to keep your data protected:

Strict Antivirus Security: In addition to keeping Windows or your PC up-to-date with the latest security enhancements, antivirus software can prevent malware from infecting your computer.
Be wary of suspicious emails and pop-ups: Avoid clicking links inside dubious emails. Do not download anything from a not so trusted source. Be very cautious and vigilant of your online presence and activity.
Create Data Backup: If something unlikely happens your data backup can save you, so store your data somewhere too, you may store it in any secondary media storage like a physical hard drive.

Takeways from Ransomware: Questionnaire

Q1. Recently Ransomware created a big hype worldwide affecting numerous countries and multinational organisations posing a major security threat. Write an essay in 300 words on Ransomware: Threat to our online presence.

Q2. Write a letter to your cousin expressing your concern regarding the recent outbreak of Locky Ransomware and security threats of the online world, telling him to be wary of his online presence and the precautions he can take to stay protected. (Word Limit-150 words)

Q3. Ransomware is a software (virus), designed with the intent to block the access to any computer system and then compelling user to pay a ransom. Recently which ransomware after WannaCry broke out worldwide and which mode of Ransom was it demanding?

Ans- Locky, Bitcoin

Q4. What is Bitcoin?

Ans- Bitcoin is a distributed peer-to-peer digital currency that can be transferred instantly and securely between any two people in the world. It’s like electronic cash that you can use to pay friends or merchants. Japanese-American physicist Satoshi Nakamoto is speculated as the creator of Bitcoin.

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