Cryptolocker

Cryptolocker is a trojan virus, first discovered in September 2013, that encrypts files on a local computer hard drive or mounted network drive. Once loaded, a message tells the user they must pay in bitcoin or with a prepaid voucher by a specific deadline to access the locked files. This type of ransom action places Cryptolocker in a class of viruses called ransomware.

The Cryptolocker virus is transmitted often through e-mail as an attachment. It activates when a user reads the e-mail and tries to open the attachment. Although it's easily removed from a computer using antivirus software, the files that are encrypted stay encrypted.

Malware, Security terms