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Dec 13, 2018 / 21:11

New malicious code encryption GandCrab is spreading in Vietnam

Bkav recommends that users install antivirus software on their PCs without opening attachments from unknown sources.

Bkav Technology Group, among the top cyber security firms in Vietnam, has issued a warning to a new variant of GandCrab's extortion- malicious code which is attacking large-scale Internet users in Vietnam.
 
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Statistics from the Bkav virus surveillance system in Vietnam show that some 3,900 computers have been infected with the GandCrab data encryption virus.

The malicious code spreading in Vietnam is a fifth generation variant of GandCrab. The first was first discovered in January this year, and has been constantly upgraded with increasing levels of sophistication and complexity.

GandCrab is spread by sending the victim a fake e-mail, the hacker prompts the victim to open an attached text file. In fact, this attachment contains GandCrab, and if the victim opens the file, their computer is infected with the malicious code, which then encrypts all the data, rendering it unusable.

A ransom message will appear on the screen, instructing the victim demanding a fee of $200-1,200 depending on the amount of data encrypted. According to Bkav, none of the victims have made any ransom payment so far.

For virus protection, Bkav recommends that users install antivirus software on their PCs without opening attachments from unknown sources. In case users have to risk it, they can open the file in Safe Run software written by Bkav.