Ransomware threatens with official complaint of piracy

Tettnang, Germany, 20 Apr 2010

Currently active blackmail Trojans are using a new scam, as the IT security specialist Avira informs. In order to avoid a complaint because of downloading illegal copies of copyrighted files, the victims of the ransomware should pay about 400 US dollars to an alleged copyright organisation.

The cyber-criminals try to put pressure upon the victims whose computers they infected, to make them pay in haste, without taking time to think about it.

The anti-malware solutions from Avira detect the malware with the virus definition file 7.10.06.65 as TR/Ransom.CardPay.A and DR/Ransom.CardPay.A, which first search for eventual Torrent files on the computer, which indicate the usage of peer-to-peer networks. Even if none are found, warnings of pirated content found on the PC are displayed.

The ransomware pretends to be software of the ICPP Foundation, which allegedly represents copyright owners worldwide. The cyber-gangsters show professionalism: the malware displays translated texts in various languages, including English and German.

If the victims really want to pay the ransom, they are redirected to a professionally designed Web site, where they have to provide their credit card data. The site is forged and it clearly serves only to collect credit card data, which is meant to be profitably sold to the criminal underground. Avira's security experts strongly advise against giving such data to this site.

Avira anti-malware users are protected against this malware with the update of the virus definition file version 7.10.06.65.

Avira offers basic protection with the free Avira AntiVir Personal. More protection is available with Avira AntiVir Premium. Its WebGuard filters malware even before it reaches the Web browser. It is available for EUR19.95. Avira Premium Security Suite offers an even higher level of security. The package adds a firewall to the capabilities of Avira AntiVir Premium, which helps against network attacks, parental control to protect the children from unsuitable content, AntiSpam and backup. It is available for EUR39.95.

Avira

Avira is a leading global provider of IT security solutions for professional and private use. With over 20 years of experience, the company is one of the pioneers in this field. As a founder member of the “IT Security made in Germany” association (ITSMIG), Avira has guaranteed that it will only provide IT security products that leave no room for data espionage.

The German IT security expert has its headquarters in Tettnang, on Lake, Constance and maintains several offices throughout the world. Avira employs around 300 people and its free Avira AntiVir Personal anti-virus protection represents a significant contribution towards security and is used by over 100 million private users.

The domestic and international clientele is formed by well known companies listed on the stock exchange, many small and medium-sized companies, as well as educational establishments and government authorities. Apart from protecting the virtual environment, Avira promotes the Auerbach Foundation for greater security in the real world. The Auerbach Foundation supports charitable and social projects, as well as art, culture and science.

Ransomware threatens with official complaint of piracy

Avira informs about ransomware, which threatens to inform the public prosecution department about pirated content on the PC, but in fact steals credit card data.