Beware of a New Scam for Users New Windows 10
As most people are learning about the benefits of the free upgrade being offered from Microsoft to move your computer from Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 8.1 to the new Windows 10, some are learning the hard way of a new and very real scam. This scam is an email that appears as if it is coming directly from Microsoft but it’s not. The email is being spoofed, which is a very simple process that anyone can do, that makes it look as though the email is sent from “update(at)Microsoft.com” and offers the unsuspecting victim the opportunity to receive Windows 10 for free and be moved to the front of the line.
However, what happens next is not the free upgrade to Windows 10. Once the user has downloaded the .zip file and executed the executable file the user is then greeted with this image:
Once you see this what has happened is the software that the user just launched has secretly ran a software known as CTB-Locker, which is a form of ransomware. This software searches your computer for data and encrypts it. Your files, including all your photos, documents, and anything else it finds, are securely locked so you cannot access them unless you pay. Ransomware scams are a relatively recent form of attack and are continuing to evolve and update regularly. So the best advice one can give is to be very careful not to open any attachments via email. Even ones that look as legit as coming from Microsoft, or even someone in your contacts.
It is a shame that there is another news worthy story about Windows 10 that will detract from the operating system and how good it is. Our advice to users is to have your trusted professional help you take advantage of the free upgrade if you are interested. It is a fantastic operating system and is already converting users from Widows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 8.1 in droves, with over 14 million PC’s upgraded in the first 24 hours alone.
Source provided by Cisco