Web virus holds computer files ‘hostage’

[Shinobi]

Here's a new one...

Hackers demand $200 in ‘ransom-ware’ attacks
Computer users already anxious about viruses and identity theft have new reason to worry: Hackers have found a way to lock up the electronic documents on your computer and then demand $200 over the Internet to get them back.

more here
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7961600/


Shinobi

[ghost]

The hacker's receiving the money to decrypt the "hostage files" is what will be his undoing. Money can be traced, like the article said. I doubt this will catch on, at least for money. They'll probably give up this tack and just hack in and encrypt valuable files of those companies they hate.