Databits News first brought you the story of the CryptoLocker Ransomware Malware 2 weeks ago, including the damaging effects and large financial cost for getting victim’s files back.  Well, since that time the situation has only gotten worse and in some ways the changes may be fueled by the Malware itself as more people are using Bitcoins to pay to get their files back.

Since the first week of November the value per Bitcoin has shot up dramatically.  With a value of $208.18 USD on November 1st to $701.40367 per Bitcoin at 9:08am PST per Mt. Gox, which calls itself the largest Bitcoin Exchange.  Mt. Gox’s website keeps an active update the Last Price and Weighted Average for Bitcoins.

So what does this mean for those hit by the CryptoLocker malware?  It means that the 10 Bitcoin payment you have to make to get your decryption key is no longer a $2,200 payment it’s now roughly $7,000 USD and going up.  As I finish writing this at 9:27am PST Mt. Gox now has an individual Bitcoin trading for $720 even USD.

There are a number of steps you can take to protect your company’s files and systems from CryptoLocker and other Ransomware.  Call Top Speed today if you have concerns about network vulnerability or type of backup services you are currently using.  Don’t find yourself or your company a victim of cyber-blackmail.

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