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Everything about CryptoLocker

Malware

The CryptoLocker ransomware attack was a cyberattack using the CryptoLocker ransomware that occurred from 5 September 2013 to late May 2014. The attack utilized a trojan that targeted computers running on Microsoft Windows, and was believed to have first been posted to the Internet on 5 September 2013. It propagated via infected email attachments, and via an existing Gameover ZeuS botnet. When activated, the malware encrypted certain types of files stored on local and mounted network drives using RSA public-key cryptography, with the private key stored only on the malware's control servers. The malware then displayed a message which offered to decrypt the data if a payment was made by a stated deadline, and it threatened to delete the private key if the deadline passes. If the deadline was not met, the malware offered to decrypt data via an online service provided by the malware's operators, for a significantly higher price in bitcoin. There was no guarantee that payment would release the encrypted content. Wikipedia →

🧭 Start here: a 6-step reading path

  1. Read the overview: CryptoLockerA 5-minute orientation
  2. Read the landmark paper: Design of Quantification Model for Prevent of CryptolockerCited 8 times
  3. Go sideways: Operation TovarA closely related topic
  4. Go sideways: RansomwareA closely related topic

📖 Definitions

Noun A form of ransomware that encrypts the victim's files and extorts money for the secret key required to decrypt them.

🗂️ The subject at a glance

  1. Operation
  2. Mitigation
  3. Money paid
  4. Clones

🏆 Landmark papers (most cited)

📚 Books worth reading

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