Ransomware grifters offer to donate proceeds of crime to charity Ransomware crooks are offering to donate ransom fees to a children's charity. Security experts dismiss the promise as “psychological manipulation” from unscrupulous crooks. The offer comes from the “kind hearted” slingers of "CryptMix", one of a growing number of crypto-ransomware strains menacing Windows users worldwide. …
Hijacking people's computers, encrypting their data and blackmailing them is still a crime, even if you promise to share the proceeds with organizations that care for children.
You could claim that all the money will go to search for a cure for cancer, you are still a criminal.
Sorry, it's me again. Last post for the week. I promise.
Here's a nugget of thought for your weekend:
Q: Why do crims steal money? Maybe to pay rent, but if you're a "real criminal" why would you steal money so you can "rightfully purchase" goods and or services when you can cut out the middleman (that's you Mr. Criminal) and just steal that good or service directly?
A: Because they are fucking morons. (Thanks, that's what I thought).
They put a lot of time and effort into making some crime worth their time, but I'm finding that if I read the right book, and apply myself, with half as much effort I'll make the equivalent or more money, and none of the risk of the police coming after me. Hackers even more so; tons of time studying and applying all their wizardly craft, so they can pinch a couple of bitcoins from some stupid grandma or knock out a site for a few minutes or hours. So much effort for a few bitcoins and bragging rights in a online dark alley. HA! I laugh at those fools.
Anybody can break a window, but few can craft or install one...
Also, don't change your passwords. The story about the various "hacked" services was a fake. Hope you didn't panic. You should always wait, then make sure, THEN panic. It saves you all sorts of unnecessary arm waving and consternation. I have lovely super-strong passwords on my gmail and yahoo accounts, they don't need changing very often, or at all in this case. Have a weekend!
"we can hardly trust cyber criminals to have a kind and generous side to them"
The thieving bastard scumfucks preying on the vulnerable and the institutions they rely on have just added another layer of twisted psychological abuse to ensure bigger payouts. Just when you thought they couldn't stoop lower.
While I do agree with you entirely, I'm afraid that 'statement of the obvious' award for this week has already gone to:
"This individual was wrapped in plastic bags and his arms were tied behind him and his feet were submerged in concrete," Detective Robert Boyce said in a press conference.
"Obviously a homicide," he added.
..from the BBC
""Tips" in the plural. Surely there's only one: if you weren't expecting it or don't recognise the source, don't open it."
We can start with:
1) Don't open suspicious e-mail attachments
2) Install NoScript, etc.
3) Don't run as admin all the time
4) DON'T RUN AS ADMIN ALL THE TIME.
5) I actually meant 3). Seriously.
"...does not belong the realms of possibility"
I suggest you ask some of the American Robber Barons of the late 19th century who were quite happy to screw the little people in all sorts of ways that were questionably legal at best, then put the proceeds towards philanthropic projects to salve their consciences.
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