I had the Police ransomware on my computer, but was able to bypass it by using shut down menu and changing user. Since then it hasn't reappeared, which seems rather easy, so I'm wondering if it is still lurking in the OS giving my info to the hackers.

Do I need to do anything more, given that my computer is now useable, and if I do need to do anything, what?

Given that a google search reveals it has been around for some time, why did my anti virus ( which is up to date ) not stop it?

Thanks.

Here's a link that describes the manual removal process that you may choosem to use. http://www.f-secure.com/en/web/labs_global/removal/removing-ransomware

Seems reasonably straight forward and I've used similar processes to eradicate other Trogans that persist even after the anti-virus or anti-malware programs have only partially succeeded.

Thank you.

Hitmanpro with Kickstart

http://www.surfright.nl/en/kickstart

Hitmanpro with Kickstart

http://www.surfright.nl/en/kickstart

Thank you too, but given that my computer is working fine now, and all the reported scams using google say that the virus locks their computer up do I need to do anything, or is the virus lurking on my HD waiting to infect anything I send to an external HD or flashdrive?

It is still there on your other user account so if you log with the other user account it will come back.

OK, thanks.

Ransomware can install and runs from your application data folder - you pick it up by being suckered in to clicking on an infected download link - hence antivirus overlooks. Try googling Cryptolocker for a neat tool that doesn't allow your application data folder to be tampered with.

Application data folders are hidden so go to control panel/folder options/view/ click unhide folders and then got to users and explore application data and see if your hidden treasure is hanging out there.

Regardless, get rid of ASAP.... good luck....

Thanks.

I downloaded Malwarebytes ( recommended by a tech guy that uses it for the ucash virus ), and a scan with that showed nothing at all infecting my computer. Very strange!

It is working for sure, as had several instances when a pop up said it had intercepted worms attempting to get into my computer. If those hackers keep this up, it will destroy the internet.

I've had zero problems since it vanished when I changed user, so reluctant to go digging around in things I don't know about. I'll just not give anything off my computer to any friends though, just in case.

Do a Scan with this

http://www.surfright.nl/en/hitmanpro

^^ Thanks. I'll try that next time I've got that computer running.

Any ideas how YOU got the virus/malware?

This stuff gets scarier by the day.

^ You can't really tell where you can get such a virus.

It could even come from legitimate sites there are enough examples available of legit sites (like ad networks) that were hacked and were serving malware)

Be careful, and make sure that your AV and OS is up to date. And Backup Backup Backup !

Any ideas how YOU got the virus/malware?

This stuff gets scarier by the day.

No, but it's seriously scary.

^^ Thanks. I'll try that next time I've got that computer running.

This gets very strange. Used Hitman just now and it also comes up with zero malware on my computer.

So either it's a new variant that hasn't been picked up, or it didn't take up residence on this computer.

Either way, it really freaked me out, as the page is extremely realistic. It's only when you think about it that you realise the real police don't demand fines on line.

It could also mean that your PC is clean

Sent from my iPad so Please excuse any typos