Ransomware viruses are still relatively new, but they are very dangerous. TeslaCrypt, a supposed variation of last year’s CryptoLocker, is the first of which to specifically target the video game community.
PC gamers infected with this cruel malware then have their video game files taken for ransom – pay up 1.5 Bitcoins, worth roughly $430-$500, or $1,000 via PayPal within three days, or else. The virus can encrypt 185 known types of files, including images, music and movie files. The target files, though, are any associated with video games, especially Steam files.
The story of the virus in its entirety is long and complicated. This article is a simplified version of all of the available information. To avoid accidental plagiarism, I’ve decided not to try and summarize the complicated technical language that explains even further how the Tesla ransomware works. If you wish to delve further into the details, please visit Computer World and Bromium Labs.
