New computer virus holding files hostage

The term “Ransomware” may be unfamiliar to typical computer users, but FBI officials are urging anyone with a personal computer to learn what it is.

Ransomware, a vicious form of a strand of computer virus known as malware, is being used in a disturbing new trend that is affecting several households across the country. The virus, in effect, holds a computer hostage until the user

pays a ransom fee.

That is, the virus locks a user’s personal computer – making his or her private information or saved documents impossible to retrieve – until the user pays a specific amount of money to unlock the screen. Ransomware is particularly disturbing because it’s more than a simple inconvenience. Personal computers typically store credit card information, social security numbers and other vital personal information, making a user whose computer was compromised very vulnerable.

FBI Assistant Special Agent Holly Hubert said a version of ransomware makes users believe they receive a message from the FBI. She said anyone who receives a message that looks suspicious should immediately shut down their computer and call an

expert.