Microsoft alerts about ransomware ZCryptor, which is being spread to systems via phishing emails and fake Adobe Flash installers that demands 1.2 bitcoin which rises to 5 bitcoins in four days of non-payment.

Ransomware is capable of spreading on its own and drops a copy of itself in removable drives, making use of USBs. It runs on Windows XP 64-bit and more recent versions of Windows such as Windows 7 and 8. It asks for an initial 1.2 bitcoin (approximately $660, according to current exchange rate) payment, which increases to 5 bitcoins (over $2700, according to current exchange) after four days of non-payment.

Microsoft stated in its blog that it is alerting Windows users of a new type of ransomware that exhibits worm-like behavior. This ransom leverages removable and network drives to propagate itself and affect more users. The company has detected this ransomware as Ransom:Win32/ZCryptor.A.

The ransomware ZCryptor is being spread to systems via phishing emails and fake Adobe Flash installers. This ransomware alerts the users after installing that their files stored in their removable devices have been encrypted and can be retrieved only when they pay 1.2 bitcoin.

The Microsoft blog has mentioned the prevention of ransomware to stay protected. Stating that, the blog said, to keep Windows Operating System and antivirus up-to-date and upgrade to Windows 10; to regularly back-up your files in an external hard-drive; enable file history or system protection; to use OneDrive for Business and be beware of phishing emails, spams, and clicking malicious attachment etc.

It also stated few points for recovering the files in Windows 10, 8.1, 7 and Vista devices due to ransomware.  According to Trend Micro, an analyst named Michael Jay Villanueva said that, “This worm arrives on a system as a file dropped by other malware or as a file downloaded unknowingly by users when visiting malicious sites."

In case the payment is not paid immediately, the demand might go up and that such technique is commonly used among cybercriminals to manipulate victims into making payments by instilling fear.