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警察在2周前通过媒体给市民的警告:9 V. u4 d F% E f
6 m: x- j$ D' Z3 RPolice warn of computer scam
" y. f, `! R$ I8 KFor Immediate Release:16-Oct-2012 @ 8:58 AM - j" O. f' q4 N- L% U/ \$ m. i
MRU #:12R159 {6 D; |" _6 X+ a$ X9 h. G
EPS File #: 4 x. E" @! L. B+ |' V5 b5 }
The Edmonton Police Service is warning the public about an on-going computer scam known as ransomware.
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Ransomware is essentially a threat to your computer unless you pay an external company. + H# u9 h: i5 u
4 J% M s1 z& H" bSeveral reports have been received by the EPS where computer users are claiming they are receiving pop-up messages asking for immediate payment otherwise they would be “locked out” of their computers.
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It has been reported that these pop-up warning messages are claiming to come from a Canadian police or government agency. The message tells computer users to pay $100 via Ukash (a payment service provider) so that their computers can be “unlocked.” J$ u* G8 n9 z1 E( O/ y2 ^
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“Often these pop-up messages appear after a user attempts to download something off the internet,” says Staff Sgt. Dan Service with Economic Crimes Section. “The download activates “malware” or a type of virus which creates a pop-up message asking for payment.” 7 V5 K% G' W& G: B9 t6 r d8 m
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Ransomware scams are designed to create shock and anxiety so computer users respond by sending money quickly to prevent being locked out of their computer.
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If you receive one of these messages, please be aware that:
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" G1 R) I4 }$ a% J+ a•the ransomware is an attempt to defraud you. ( B) S3 Z4 ~. g/ Q: h2 ^
•sending money will not fix your computer – it will remain locked. DO NOT SEND MONEY. $ d; k) G# s7 ?& A$ Q# v- }
•neither police nor any Canadian government agency would hijack computers in order to obtain money. 4 L+ e" D6 X$ C7 {7 N1 ]* [
•the ransomware is hard evidence that your computer has been infected by malicious software (malware) that must be dealt with.
1 v; E% e4 t6 H- }# C+ T) K1 pThe recommended way to re-gain access to your computer is to seek the help of a computer technician who can remove the malware. 6 v5 l6 g! }. U0 H$ y
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To protect against cyber attacks, it is recommended to update your software regularly. You should have up-to-date anti-virus, spyware and firewall protection. . N% B. I8 m- i
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If you receive a ransomware message, please report it to the police and to the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-850 or http://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/ 5 i4 w; R' V, i
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: L! i) S3 C( |% wPlease contact Noreen Remtulla at (780) 421-3552 for more information.9 N) \) g) u$ w- b! i3 v6 c
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