CyberSecurity Malaysia has warned computer users to beware of ‘Ransomware’, a malicious software (malware/virus) that infects computer and restricts access to the computer system until a ransom is paid to the creators to unlock it.

The malware/virus attempts to force victims to pay a ransom by displaying a pop-up message on a computer screen, CyberSecurity Malaysia chief executive officer Dr Amirudin Abdul Wahab said in a statement today.

He said the pop-up message would state that a user's computer had been locked or all files had been encrypted, and demand a ransom to be paid to restore access.

"The creator of Ransomware put fear and panic into their victims, causing them to click on a link or pay a ransom, and inevitably become infected with additional malware," he said.

Ransomware targets both home users and businesses causing temporary or permanent loss of sensitive or proprietary information, disrupting business operations, incurring financial losses to restore systems and files, and potentially hurting an organisation’s reputation.

"If your computer has been infected and received a Ransomware message, do not follow the payment instructions and report it to Cyber999 help centre.

"Paying ransom does not guarantee the encrypted files will be released. It only guarantees that the malicious actors receive the victim’s money, and in some cases, their banking information.

"In addition, decrypting files does not mean the malware infection itself has been removed," he said.

An advisory on Ransomware has also been posted online by CyberSecurity, a technical cyber security and specialist centre under the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry.

- Bernama