A growing number of people are turning on their computers only to have what looks like an FBI webpage come up and effectively lockdown their machine. Those with a camera on their monitor see live video of themselves seated at their desks, and a message informs them they are in violation of U.S. codes or, worse, that they were involved in criminal activity — typically involving child pornography.
The only function their computer allows them to perform is to use PayPal to send in $300 through MoneyPak in order for their computer to be unlocked.
"It's a virus," said Adam Gitow, owner of Computer Works at 483 Monroe Turnpike. "We deal with this all the time. Do not get a PayPal MoneyPak. If you do, you've basically bought the virus."
Though the maker of the virus sometimes pretends to represent agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security or the Department of Justice, Gitow said it's universally known as the "FBI Virus".
The FBI seal may look official and the IP address displayed may be correct, but Gitow reminds people that agencies like the IRS, FBI and Homeland Security "will never" contact you that way or via email.
Gitow said the origin of the computer virus is foreign, most likely from criminals in China.
The Monroe Police Department recently received two complaints from residents who fell victim to the scam.
"It's been out there at least six months and we've had 150 computers since," Gitow said. "But I'm sure it's more than that."
Computer Works was fixing a client's computer with the "FBI Virus" when Gitow was interviewed for this story Thursday.
An Infected Machine
Those who manage to boot their computers in safe mode may be able to do a Windows System Restore — changing their computer's settings to an earlier time before it was infected with the "FBI Virus", according to Gitow, who said some make the mistake of doing a factory restore.
Even if that succeeds, Gitow said the computer needs to be attacked with anti-virus software. First, any existing anti-virus software must be either removed and re-installed or new software needs to be installed in its place, he said.
"Once you get a virus, any virus, it renders your anti-virus software useless," Gitow explained.
"More is not better," he added of anti-virus software. "They'll fight each other and it won't work. You only need one."
Smart Criminals
When the techs at Computer Works locate and remove an infected file from a computer, Gitow said it has to be connected to another computer as a "slave" to the other machine. Because of self-preservation mechanisms of the virus, Gitow says it can be nearly impossible to fix a computer without the assistance of one that's not infected.
Gitow said a virus is an executable file.
"It's not a Word document or an email, but there could be attachments or links that are hijacked," he said.
Gitow said the "FBI Virus" will eventually run its course, but then it will be replaced by something else.
"The virus writers are so far ahead of the anti-virus software," he said. "They may be criminals, but they're smart criminals and they're always a step ahead. They know all the security holes."
Avoiding Viruses
"When you're on the Internet, use your judgement," Gitow said. "Don't click on everything you see."
He said some online content may try to entice people by making free offers.
"Free isn't necessarily good," Gitow said. "Watch what you search for and click on. Use good judgement — that's it in a nutshell."
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