Popcorn Time Ransomware

Cybercriminals are now offering free decryption to Popcorn Time ransomware if you infect two of your friends. Criminals are tricking people by claiming the money will go for food and shelter for those in Syria. IT security experts from Tripwire and Plixer commented below.

Tim Erlin, Senior Director of IT Security and Risk Strategy at Tripwire:

“Cybercrime is part of an economy, and it shouldn’t be surprising that criminals are learning from strategies that work in more legal markets. The idea of using referrals to extend your business is hardly new.”

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Michael Patterson, CEO at Plixer International:

“Ransomware that asks victims to infect their friends in order to receive a free pass is probably not a tactic that many will play into.  This does however, demonstrate how creative these miscreants are at coming up with new ways to spread their malicious efforts. This is another example of ransomwares growing popularity in the coming months. Good backups are currently the only defense against this type of contagion.”