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Every once in a while, you'll hear stories of people being held for ransom. It happened in Afghanistan last summer, and it's happening in Ukraine today. I thought it would be a simple thing to look up "ransom" on Google and give some examples - but the first page was all about ransomware - an idea that barely existed a few years ago. It's really quite simple - a computer is hacked, and a virus is implanted, which locks the user from accessing their own files. And they get a message which says if you don't pay me this amount (often in Bitcoin), I'll release all your pictures and web history to the world and you'll never have access to your computer files again. Pay me, and I'll give it back. Trust me!
By Phil RoutlyEvery once in a while, you'll hear stories of people being held for ransom. It happened in Afghanistan last summer, and it's happening in Ukraine today. I thought it would be a simple thing to look up "ransom" on Google and give some examples - but the first page was all about ransomware - an idea that barely existed a few years ago. It's really quite simple - a computer is hacked, and a virus is implanted, which locks the user from accessing their own files. And they get a message which says if you don't pay me this amount (often in Bitcoin), I'll release all your pictures and web history to the world and you'll never have access to your computer files again. Pay me, and I'll give it back. Trust me!