Bitcoin ransomware decryption tool released

The CoinVault virus was discovered in May 2014 and infected a large number of users in more than 100 countries around the world. In April 2015, the Dutch police received the decryption key database from the CoinVault server, and Kaspersky subsequently launched a free decryption service. However, the author of CoinVault subsequently updated the key and launched the second-generation virus Bitcryptor. Last month, two related suspects were arrested by the Dutch police, and the new decryption key was intercepted by the police again.

However, CoinVault and Bitcryptor are only one type of Bitcoin extortion virus. The US FBI once offered a $3 million reward for the arrest of the CTB-Locker Bitcoin extortion virus, and the author of the CryptoWall ransomware made more than $325 million in the past year. Similar Bitcoin extortion viruses use similar methods, all of which use powerful encryption algorithms to encrypt the infected person's files and then require a ransom in Bitcoin. There is a time limit, and the files cannot be retrieved after the expiration date. Existing technology cannot crack the encryption, and there is no other way except paying the ransom.

However, the spread of this virus can still be traced. Although it cannot be cracked, it can be prevented. Users need to be wary of unfamiliar emails and suspicious websites, keep security software updated, and most importantly, back up important data.