Ransomware revival

Source: The Register

Ransomware is an old idea, but it has never really become mainstream. The idea is that you infect a computer with a virus and encrypt files, demanding money for a decryption tool, or just threaten to delete files, or similar. Malware authors are trying the concept again with a new malware strain called Gpcode-AI (AKA Sinowal-FY), which "encrypts data on compromised machines before demanding money from users to decrypt it."

Complex iPhone phish in the wild

Source: vnunet.com

According to this report, there is a piece of malware backed by a significant botnet dedicated to subverting the Apple iPhone purchase process. It seems bizarrely elaborate and specific.

26 arrested for Poste Italiane phishing attack

Source: Sophos

"The Guardia di Finanza have apprehended 18 Italian citizens and 8 foreign nationals from Eastern Europe in an operation dubbed "Phish & Chip", following a widespread phishing campaign that targeted internet users of Poste Italiane's home-banking services."

Why did the crooks choose to operate out of Italy while attacking Italy?

Two Texans charged with pump-and-dump offences

Source: Sophos

Darrel Uselton, 40, and his uncle, Jack Usleton, 69, both from Texas, have been charged with offences relating to their alleged pump-and-dump spamming of at least 13 penny stocks between May 2005 and December 2006.