Is This Message Actually From the FBI?

IS THIS WARNING ACTUALLY FROM THE FBI?

So, you've lost control of your computer; it will do nothing except display a message that says that you have some type of illegal pornography on your computer and for that reason the FBI has locked it. It says that you have the choice of paying $200-$300 to unlock your computer and absolve you of your crime or do nothing and be prosecuted by the FBI.

Is this warning REALLY from the FBI?

Not a chance. This is a total scam.

The FBI has no interest in your computer, unless, of course, you've done something else warranting a federal investigation. Paying the "fine" also will not do anything to unlock your computer. You'll still have a locked computer and just be a few hundred dollars poorer.

So, what do you do to get rid of this ransomware? These types of malware are especially difficult to get rid of. You need the services of an experienced computer technician to get rid of it.

The bad part is that you have to hire someone to fix it, but the good news is that unless you find someone who is trying to scam you, it should cost significantly less to fix than the $300 that the ransomware was trying to steal from you.

Once it is fixed, you should do several things in order to keep from getting another such infection. These tips should actually be a part of every Windows user's routine practices because there is so many viruses, malware, and yes other ransomware.

So, you should:

* Install a good antivirus program and set it to scan your computer once a day (I always set it for night when I'm sleeping). I routinely use avast! free edition, which has not disappointed me. If you're itching to buy something, Kaspersky is a good product.

* Buy Malwarebytes anti-malware. You can use it free but only for on-demand scanning. The paid edition will work interactively with Windows to catch malware when it comes in, rather than after it takes hold.

* Practice good Internet hygiene. By that I mean the old standard advice. Do not click links in emails from people that you do not know. Be very suspicious of correspondence from companies asking you for personal information. If you get an email from a company that you do business with making a strange request, make sure the email is actually from that company. Call their 800 number or send an inquiry to them via their website. Also, the tell-tale giveaway that these kinds of emails are fakes are blatantly obvious spelling and grammar mistakes. This is often a clue that these emails originated in a country where English is a second language.

If you find yourself with the FBI Virus or any other virus and you are in the Atlanta, TX area, please call Tom Asimos at Computer Doctor of Atlanta at (903) 650-9483.