[infosecinstitute] CryptoLocker

Released in September 2013, CryptoLocker is a ransomware program that targets all versions of Windows, including Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8. This trojan encrypts almost all files using a combination of RSA & AES encryption. When the encryption is over, it will display a CryptoLocker payment program that prompts you to send a ransom of $300 or 300 Euro or the equivalent in any other currency in order to decrypt the files. Then a ransom can be paid in either Bitcoin or Moneypak mode to the malware authors. A time limit of 72 hours is given to pay the ransom; otherwise the decryption key will be deleted from one of the secret servers. Once the payment is verified, the program will decrypt the files that it encrypted by using the RSA private key.

[net-security] Two of every five CryptoLocker victims pay the ransom

Ransomware is one of the most effective means for cyber crooks to "earn" themselves huge sums of money with practically no effort, which explains its popularity with that particular crowd.