OPINION: Beware of cybergrubs
BACK in 2012 I spoke to a Warwick business woman who had been extorted by hackers.
The criminals infiltrated her computer, encrypted her business files and demanded she pay $4000 for their return.
Backed into a corner and needing to get her files back, the business owner reluctantly conceded defeat and paid the money.
What I remember most from that terrible situation was the arrogance of the presumed overseas hacker, who ridiculed the IT technician tasked with trying to return the files.
He taunted about how there was nothing that could be done to stop him, especially not by the "stupid" Australian police.
These degenerates are so arrogant and seemingly have no fear of being caught by authorities. And they have good reason.
There is little that can be done to track their location and apprehend these cybercriminals.
And the victims of these extortion attempts are forced to choose between losing their files, which contain extremely valuable information, or handing over hundreds, or even thousands of dollars.
This week another business owner has been targeted by the same type of crime.
There are fears these extortion attempts will only become more frequent - ripping hard-earned money from honest people.
Check your internet security today and let's try to keep our money away from these cybergrubs, who have no qualms about ripping you off.
