State Attorney General Warns Against Increase In 'Ransomware' Attacks

By DANIEL HUBBARD (Patch Staff)

Acting state Attorney General Robert Lougy cautioned residents Tuesday to be mindful of the rising threat of “ransomware” attacks on personal computers and mobile devices.

“Ransomware” is a type of program that encrypts valuable digital files and holds them “hostage” for money.

Such attacks, which increased last year, Lougy said, are expected to be even more frequent in 2016.

Employees of government agencies, law enforcement bureaus, corporations, and healthcare organizations are being “bombarded” with emails disguised as messages form their supervisors.

Alumni associations and religious groups are also being targeted, officials said.

Victims are often unaware their computers have been infection until they are unable to access their data. They may also receive online demands or virtual currency like Bitcoin.

Victims should disconnect their device immediately from the connected network and inform security or their service provider.

Consumers who believe they have been victimized can file a computer with the state Division of Consumer Affairs by its website or by calling 973-504-6200.