First ransomware spotted that infects Windows XP

Security experts have detected what they believe is the first ransomware to infect Windows XP and other old operating systems no longer supported by Microsoft. The latest version of GandCrab (4.1), a fast-spreading ransomware first spotted in January, locks files on computers running all versions of Windows from XP onwards. Previous strains of ransomware, such as last year’s devastating WannaCry, could only crash XP computers, not infect them. GandCrab is spread through phishing emails and hacked websites offering software downloads. The threat is a reminder of how crucial it is to run antivirus (AV) software on unsupported operating systems. The new version of GandCrab can be blocked by AV tools, as previous editions were. The malware isn’t particularly sophisticated. Experts say it’s used by opportunistic hackers seeking money quickly, not…

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Computeractive (Digital) - 1 Issue, 533

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