DO you have a computer? Is it connected to the internet? Do you use it to do your banking ? Then you should read this…
Internet scammers claiming to be Windows Tech Support employees are calling hundreds of people a day and that next person they call, might just be you.
“We have detected a virus on your desktop. We would like to have you open up the Windows Event Log. If you don’t know where that is simply press the ‘start’ key with the ‘R’ key and read us the number and we will remote into your computer,” says the caller, if you have not hung up on them already.
Once this number has been read, it is claimed that the hackers can now remote into your computer and, having been granted administrative privileges, they can now alter files, copy sensitive information as well as upload a RAT to your computer.
A RAT (Remote Access Trojan) can allow these hackers to lock you out of your computer, from anywhere in the world. This is where they have changed your password possibly, or simply installed a type of lock screen which can only be unlocked by them.
“Sir, we have discovered the virus, however, we would like to be compensated for removing it. Failure to pay will result in us leaving the virus on your desktop.”
After this happens, it is too late.
You could pay the man on the phone, but there is never a guarantee that your money will get you your computer back, or your information which may very well have been copied.
If you suspect that your computer has been infected with a RAT, the first and most important thing you should do is disconnect it from the internet.
If you have not been locked out of your computer, try and run your anti-malware program which, if fully up-to-date should easily remove the RAT.
If you have no control over your computer, insert your rescue disc (download a free rescue disc at: www.avg.com/ww-en/rescue-cd-business-edition) and restart your computer. It should give you the option to ‘boot from disc’, once this is done select ‘scan’ and leave it to do the magic.
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