File Encryptor moves to the west...

File encryptor moves to the west
February 24, 2006 | 14:23 GMT

We've already written about malware which encrypts files and then demands payment for decryption on several occasions.

These Trojans were found mostly in Russia. However yesterday we came across a worm with a German (speaking) background, Email-Worm.Win32.Skowor.b.

It doesn't have true Email-Worm functionality, but as it's closely connected to Email-Worm.Win32.Skowor.a we have decided to keep it in the same class.

In contrary to programs like GPCode, Skowor is able to replicate; it tries to spread via a share that it creates.

When installed, the worm displays a message telling the user that s/he has 5 pc reboots in order to get a password which can be used to uninstall the worm. If the user doesn't do this, the worm will encrypt a number of important files and change the Administrator and current user password.

The worm also changes the IE start page to the author's website....

Source: VirusList Analysts Diary»

Luckily (for now) the author's website was taken down on Feb 23rd according to Viruslist.com

glad to see it has been read, amateur

....and final comment of the article is:

None the less it's a sign of what is to come.

Quote:
None the less it's a sign of what is to come.

How true and very scary