- Ransomware is a type of malicious software designed to block access to computer system until sum of money is paid to unlock it.
- Locky ransomware is being circulated through massive spam campaign in which spam emails with common subject lines target computers by locking them and demanding ransom for restoring access to users.
- It first surfaced in 2016.
- It encrypts files on victims’ PCs and adds a .locky file extension.
- The attackers then demand ransom in Bitcoin payment to unlock the files.
- It is demanding ransom of half bitcoin, which at present rate is equivalent to over Rs 1.5 lakh.
- Why in news? CERT-In has issued an alert about spread of Locky.