Gpcode: Ransomware Just Got Worse

According to antivirus vendor Kaspersky, ransomware authors have upgraded to a 1024 bit RSA encryption key. Ransomware trojans encrypt files on the infected drive, then demand payment from the victim in order to decrypt them. In the past, antivirus vendors have usually been able to decrypt the files (for free) on behalf of the victims. But this latest upgrade to a 1024 bit key poses what Kaspersky is referring to as a "huge cryptographic challenge". Kaspersky estimates, "it would take around 15 million modern computers, running for about a year, to crack such a key".

Some vendors might give up. But not Kaspersky. Instead, they are asking for your help:

"So we're calling on you: cryptographers, governmental and scientific institutions, antivirus companies, independent researchers…join with us to stop Gpcode. This is a unique project – uniting brain-power and resources out of ethical, rather than theoretical or malicious considerations."

For details or to participate, see: Help Crack Gpcode