Ransomware is so big, hackers are staffing help desks
Tech Industry
Hackers are now hiring helpdesks.
Researchers are finding that [UNKNOWN] somewhere.
It's coming so profitable that the hackers behind the malware are operating like professional businesses.
Hiring customer service staff to help their victims pay the ransoms.
Revelations comes more presentation at the [UNKNOWN] cyber security conference going on now in In Las Vegas.
Researchers followed the money, and showed a professional side to the operation of ransonware.
These attacks have crippled businesses, hospitals, banks and government agencies.
When a machine or network is infected, the malware will lock up access to a computer or files.
Demanding payments in Bitcoin, to set your computer free.
The longer you wait to pay, often the ransom price goes up.
Not everyone knows what BitCoin is and it's not easy to learn when you're panicking about your computer, that's where customer service comes into play.
These helpful chaps will teach victims how to buy BitCoin, such as heading to your neighborhood BitCoin ATM machine.
And they also will negotiate with victims by offering immunity packages.
Pay your ransom now and pay a little more to guarantee we won't hit you again.
It's organized crime, and ransomware is estimated to be a $25 million Dollar industry.
One ransomware, called Cerber, earns $200 thousand a month.
It's the fastest rising ransomware of this year.
I'm Bridget Carey and you can get more details at CNET.com.
