FBI Virus—Virus that has us (and our data) crippled
The virus/ransomware named, “FBI Moneypak virus” is a destructive set of coding, disguised as the FBI that all computer users should prepare themselves for, including Mac. Some of the most sophisticated antivirus programs fail to detect this virus in time. Using this false moniker and prohibiting you from accessing your computer, it effectively locks down the computer system and removes all personal and system files on the computer. The FBI virus alleges the computer has been involved in illegal activity by downloading, distributing, or viewing copyrighted and/or inappropriate material. This program demands a penalty fine of up to $200 to be paid in full in order to unlock the computer system within the allotted time of 72 hours by use of Moneypak or Green Dot Moneypak cards. These are the prepaid credit cards you can purchase at Walmart or Walgreens. The FBI Moneypak virus also states that you (the computer owner) may be sent to jail if a fine is not paid within this timeframe. Please take note that this is a virus and claims made by this virus are NOT real. You are NOT in trouble with the FBI and will NOT be sent to jail. Paying the fine using Moneypak cards will fail to fix this malware. When you provide them with the activation number from these cards, further intrusions onto your system will occur.
PageDesk Computer Services has seen an increase in the amount of computers infected with this virus (28 computers this past week). If you feel that you are a victim of this virus, it is recommended that you turn OFF your computer immediately and call your local computer repair company or us at (815) 462-6000 to remove it.
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Since 1999, PageDesk is a website design, cloud hosting, and computer services firm located in New Lenox, IL. Offering a wide range of computer and Internet related solutions, our staff utilizes the latest in technology. Our objective is to provide these solutions that complement their business. PageDesk serves its customers with the belief that the continued success and growth of our company occurs one customer at a time.
jay hauptenauer
11:39 am on Wednesday, December 5, 2012
The safest option to remove the FBI Moneypak virus by using Malwarebytes Anti-Malware software (free or paid versions), AVG, and Norton all of which have been documented to scan and remove FBI Moneypak virus(Citadel Reveton). If you can not connect to the internet but can access your desktop in “safemode” (detailed below) and install Malwarebytes (or AVG, Norton), then proceed to scan and remove the FBI Moneypak virus. If Anti Malware software is malfunctioning proceed to the “Safe Mode With Networking” option in order to correctly perform a scan or install troubleshoot software. Restoring your computer is also an easy and fast solution but may not be suitable for everyone’s needs as you will need to restore your operating system to a restore point that was created (automatically by Windows) before any signs of infection. Restoring your system can lead the the loss of recently installed applications as well (not images, documents, etc). Microsoft suggests to follow the 4th option which is to enter your computer system in safe mode with networking to scan for and remove the virus, and also suggest if internet access is compromised to reset proxy settings. We have provided all steps to do this.
Nicholas R. Byerley
12:24 pm on Wednesday, December 5, 2012
While you are correct on some aspects, this virus is a little more complicated. Using these programs can be beneficial, however AVG, Norton, and all of the following have been notorious for skipping these files in their scans. I would suggest bringing it into a repair shop if you are questioning your computers security.
Rick D
10:08 pm on Wednesday, December 5, 2012
How does a computer get the virus? Any recommendations on prevention?
William Byerley
5:03 am on Thursday, December 6, 2012
A computer can get a virus a number of ways, but a few ways it can be infected is by malicious code on a website or an email that is sent to the user. Once someone opens the website or attachment in an email, it is hard to stop. Some antivirus programs can catch the initial program running, while outdated ones normally stop certain affects from these viruses. As far as recommendations on prevention, make sure you have your antivirus software up to date at all times. I am not a big fan of Norton or McAfee, but updated versions of these will still work. Install the versions of AVG or AVast and they work almost exactly the same, and in some instances better. There are also other software you can install that will search your computer for infections, like the aforementioned "Malwarebytes" that will find malware that is installed or present on your computer. This kind of software is not prevention, but good to have if you feel you may be infected. As always, I make the recommendation to ALWAYS backup all of your data on your computer and backup often and offsite as it is common for these viruses to attack USB related devices as well. If you are concerned in any way that your computer is infected, please have a trained computer repair technician take a look at it.
Yasmine
1:20 pm on Saturday, December 8, 2012
I used to use Mc Afee on my computer, but he doesn't return my messages lately..
Cheryl Walker
8:45 am on Sunday, December 16, 2012
He was uh... busy for awhile there, but he's back now.