[2016-04-12] IBN: The age of cryptoworms is right around the corner

[polynesia]

The age of cryptoworms is right around the corner: 10 things you need to know

http://www.ibnlive.com/news/tech/the-age-of-cryptoworms-is-right-around-the-corner-10-things-you-need-to-know-1228664.html

An unusual strain of virus-like hacker software that exploits computer server vulnerabilities - without requiring human interaction - is a leading example of a new generation of ransomware. 10 things that you need to know about the self-propagating ransomware, or cryptoworms:

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6. A cryptoworm strain, known as Samas or samsam, hit the MedStar Health hospital chain in the US last month. Samas exploits vulnerabilities giving hackers a way into JBoss application servers that are frequently used by some of the largest corporations. Once inside, the hackers sometimes implant a tool that steals credentials, allowing it to spread through the system, and encrypt scores of digital files along the way.

7. The ability to demand payment in bitcoin, a difficult-to-trace virtual currency not controlled by any country, was basically the birth of ransomware and has helped drive its success since the currency's introduction in 2009.