Ransomware Hits Ireland, Uses Name of the National Police

It’s becoming clear that no country (at least not from Europe) is safe from the claws of ransomware, malicious elements that lock computers and keep them that way until the victims agree to pay a certain fine.

As in other countries, the cybercriminals demand around €100 ($125) in order to unblock the infected devices of users from Ireland.

To make everything more legitimate-looking, the name and symbols of Garda Síochána – the national police service of Ireland – are utilized in the scheme. Similar to other cases, the victims are accused of accessing illegal websites, Herald informs.

Police stations from the Dublin area have received numerous reports from computer repair shops about the existence of these schemes.

On the positive side, at least some victims choose to take their computers to professionals, instead of rushing to pay the so-called fine. On the other hand, who knows how many internauts fell for the plot and paid up without saying a word to anyone? 

As always, we advise users never to give in to such extortionists.