--- title: Your Files Might Be Getting Locked & Stolen RIGHT NOW – Here’s the Dangerous Virus at Fault! description: Your Files Might Be Getting Locked & Stolen RIGHT NOW – Here’s the Dangerous Virus at Fault! image: https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/hubfs/Blog%20Images/Imported_Blog_Media/ransomware1.jpg --- [Skip to the main content.](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/your-files-might-be-getting-locked-stolen-right-now-heres-the-dangerous-virus-at-fault#main-content) [![OTT powerd by VN big](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/OTT%20powerd%20by%20VN%20big.png?width=500&height=175&name=OTT%20powerd%20by%20VN%20big.png "OTT powerd by VN big")](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com) [![OTT powerd by VN big](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/OTT%20powerd%20by%20VN%20big.png?width=500&height=175&name=OTT%20powerd%20by%20VN%20big.png "OTT powerd by VN big")](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com) - [Services](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/our-services/) - [Managed It Services](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/our-services/managed-it/) - [Cybersecurity](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/our-services/cybersecurity/) - [Cloud Solutions](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/our-services/cloud-solutions/) - [Compliance](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/our-services/compliance/) - [Industries](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/industries/) - [Resources](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/resources/) - [Blog](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog) - [About](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/about/) - [Client Testimonials](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/testimonials/) [415-294-5250](tel:4152945250) [Client Portal](https://portal.Valeonetworks.com) Toggle Menu Toggle Menu [415-294-5250](tel:4152945250) [Client Portal](https://portal.Valeonetworks.com) - [Services *Toggle Menu*](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/our-services/) - [Managed It Services](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/our-services/managed-it/) - [Cybersecurity](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/our-services/cybersecurity/) - [Cloud Solutions](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/our-services/cloud-solutions/) - [Compliance](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/our-services/compliance/) - [Industries](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/industries/) - [Resources *Toggle Menu*](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/resources/) - [Blog](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog) - [About *Toggle Menu*](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/about/) - [Client Testimonials](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/testimonials/) - Example Link - Example Link - Example Link [*Facebook*](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/your-files-might-be-getting-locked-stolen-right-now-heres-the-dangerous-virus-at-fault#0) [*Instagram*](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/your-files-might-be-getting-locked-stolen-right-now-heres-the-dangerous-virus-at-fault#0) [*LinkedIn*](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/your-files-might-be-getting-locked-stolen-right-now-heres-the-dangerous-virus-at-fault#0) [*Twitter*](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/your-files-might-be-getting-locked-stolen-right-now-heres-the-dangerous-virus-at-fault#0) [*Youtube*](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/your-files-might-be-getting-locked-stolen-right-now-heres-the-dangerous-virus-at-fault#0) [*Medium*](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/your-files-might-be-getting-locked-stolen-right-now-heres-the-dangerous-virus-at-fault#0) 2 min read # Your Files Might Be Getting Locked & Stolen RIGHT NOW – Here’s the Dangerous Virus at Fault! [Lance Stone](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/author/ulisticadmin) : Jan 14, 2015, 12:33:41 PM [Managed IT Services](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/tag/managed-it-services) ![Ransomware](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Images/Imported_Blog_Media/ransomware1.jpg?width=200&name=ransomware1.jpg)Every file you have saved on your computer could be at risk from the attack of a new e-mail virus, expertly designed to seem like an average e-mail you may find in your inbox. In seconds, all of your files, photos, and downloads or even the entirety of your business’s information and saved data can be destroyed. **VirRansom** is a new version of the traditional malware, **Ransomware**, though it’s much more dangerous in how it can quietly spread through your files and be unwittingly shared with others. ## **What is VirRansom?** **Ransomware** is spread like customary malware, as most users get it by opening a seemingly urgent e-mail. Once opened, the ransomware releases an encrypted script that locks files, photos, documents and spreadsheets using a method that cannot be broken. A screen then appears demanding that money be sent to an overseas account in order to unlock the affected files. **VirRansom** is even more dangerous due to the fact that it may be in your computer without you even knowing it – spreading itself secretly though files and moving to other computers through file-sharing. The virus continues to replicate and spread until it’s activated. Before you know it’s there, the damage will be done. When **VirRansom** actives, it locks the affected files and displays the ransom image. This, of course, poses a great threat to both home users and especially businesses with sensitive information and files. How to Keep Your Computer and Business Protected: Most important and useful in protecting yourself and your network from this bug is to keep an eye out for phony e-mails. There are a number of red flags you can look for and stay away from. Common subject lines of infected e-mails you may receive include: - Payroll Received by Intuit - ADP RUN: Payroll Processed Alert - DNB Complaint - Annual Form – Authorization To Use Privately Owned Vehicle on State Business - Payroll Manager Payroll Invoice ADP RUN Also keep an eye out for anything that may not pertain to you or doesn’t make much sense, such as seemingly urgent e-mails from the IRS or EZPass. Beware of Zip files especially if you don’t recognize their origin or are not expecting something. Misspelled subject lines or e-mail content is also a huge red flag. Take Precautions: Waiting until after you’ve got a virus to take care of a problem is simply too late – all of your files could be lost forever. It helps to have multiple checks in place on your system, as a single antivirus scanner may not detect the bug. There are simply too many variants of malware to be sure that a single check will uncover all of them. The best line of defense is to have multiple lines of defense. **Regularly backing up all your computer data is an easy way to minimize the damage done in case of an attack**. The downtime after your files are lost or compromised could be devastating for a business, and having your files backed up is the best way to ensure that they’re still accessible after a malware attack. ## **VirRansom and other data-attacking bugs are the most potentially harmful to a business. The loss of data can be devastating, costly, and potentially business ending.** **{company} is dedicated to ensuring that businesses remain safe and avoid dangerous bugs. For more information on how to keep your business secure, contact us at {e-mail} or speak to us directly by phone at {phone}.** - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) #### ![BusinessOwnerGuidetoM&A-1](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/BusinessOwnerGuidetoM%26A-1.png?width=303&height=209&name=BusinessOwnerGuidetoM%26A-1.png) #### Download our eBook*THE ULTIMATE ROADMAP TO CMMC COMPLIANCE* by filling out the form below! 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[Managed IT Services](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/tag/managed-it-services) [Read More](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/microsofts-hyper-v-server-2019-finally-released-heres-what-you-need-to-know) [![US Businesses Are At Risk! Here’s a Few Valuable Tips to Prevent Potential Security Threats.](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/hubfs/Blog%20Images/Imported_Blog_Media/477909669.jpg)](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/us-businesses-are-at-risk-heres-a-few-valuable-tips-to-prevent-potential-security-threats) #### [US Businesses Are At Risk! Here’s a Few Valuable Tips to Prevent Potential Security Threats.](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/us-businesses-are-at-risk-heres-a-few-valuable-tips-to-prevent-potential-security-threats) [Lance Stone](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/author/ulisticadmin) : Apr 18, 2014, 12:29:17 PM Your business is vulnerable and at risk from cyber attacks! Has your IT firm given you “peace of mind” that you are protected? If not, book an... [Managed IT Services](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/tag/managed-it-services) [Read More](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/us-businesses-are-at-risk-heres-a-few-valuable-tips-to-prevent-potential-security-threats) [![Forgot Your Apple ID Password, Email Address, or Security Questions? No Problem, Here’s How to Recover it!](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/hubfs/Blog%20Images/Imported_Blog_Media/password-3.jpg)](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/uncategorized/forgot-your-apple-id-password-email-address-or-security-questions-no-problem-heres-how-to-recover-it) #### [Forgot Your Apple ID Password, Email Address, or Security Questions? No Problem, Here’s How to Recover it!](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/uncategorized/forgot-your-apple-id-password-email-address-or-security-questions-no-problem-heres-how-to-recover-it) [Lance Stone](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/author/ulisticadmin) : Apr 14, 2014, 3:16:16 PM If you have an Apple device, you’ve probably created an Apple ID to access various services. The ID enables you to access and download apps on... [Managed IT Services](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/tag/managed-it-services) [Read More](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/uncategorized/forgot-your-apple-id-password-email-address-or-security-questions-no-problem-heres-how-to-recover-it) ![OTT White logo](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/VN%20-%20Division%20Logos/OTT%20Logo/OTT%20White%20logo.png?width=524&height=140&name=OTT%20White%20logo.png)   ##### About About On Time Tech is an IT Support and Computer Services company serving California. 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