Eugene's observations

There is a new computer virus in town that I want to highlight to readers of this space. In a nutshell, if you get it many of your files will be encrypted so you can not read them unless you pay a ransom. Unlike all other viruses I have encountered before, once you are infected it is too late for me or anyone (except the blackmailer) to recover for you. Hence, please follow this suggestion. The normal rules of avoiding infection still apply:

• Don't click a link directly
• Don't run anything attached to an email
• Maintain a paid for Internet security suite
• Update Windows and all other programs at the earliest opportunity
• Disable Java, Flash and other extensions in your browser until they are needed
• Make sure all passwords are unique and complex

Now there's one other step. Download and execute a program that will lock your computer against the currently known variations of CryptoLocker and other similar viruses. This is available free from http://www.foolishit.com/download/cryptoprevent/ There is one more protection that it is wise to take: retain a backup copy of your files that is not directly accessible - either online, or using software that retains versions, or in a proprietary format. Reference: http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/virus-removal/cryptolocker-ransomware-information

Edit 6 Aug 14.  Free decryption is available at
https://www.decryptcryptolocker.com/