Although occurrences are not yet extensive, a recently discovered Trojan could have dire consequences for those whose computers do become infected.

	WEEKLY REPORTS Solutions, Prevention & Remedies Top 10 Threats

The threat, known as PGPCoder.A, holds your important files for ransom, making them inaccessible until you pay up. With the high possibility of numerous copycat threats and modifications, this threat could be the precursor for a new form of Internet crime -- cyber extortion.

The threat takes advantage of computer users who do not keep current on their Microsoft patches. Using a flaw in Internet Explorer, for which a patch was issued almost a year ago, PGPCoder.A is transferred by rogue Web sites.

Once installed, the Trojan runs every time you start your computer, controlling and encrypting your files. This includes word processing, text, graphics, Web page, and spreadsheet documents. Finally, it drops text-file ransom notes into each folder with a demand of $200 to decode your documents and instructions for how to pay it.

Unfortunately, the threat is difficult to detect until your files become inaccessible. However, as with many recent, high profile threats, PGPCoder.A can be prevented by installing the Microsoft patches that your computer may be lacking.

Protection and Prevention - PGPCoder.A:

Microsoft Patch (July 2004) ? Update Number KB867801

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* Reading: Solutions, Prevention & Remedies
Additional summary information related to a specific type of solution or prevention that you should be considering. Depending upon the week, this section may have:
• Recent Windows security releases from Microsoft
• Recent updates to widely used anti-spyware programs
• Recent updates to widely used anti-virus programs
• Recent updates to other security programs & devices (ex: Firewalls, routers)
• Recent updates to various applications in wide use

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Read: Top Threats
These are viruses that are currently on the watch lists of major anti-virus software companies.

Name
What the threat is called. We use the name given each virus by Panda Software. Sometimes other anti-virus companies give the same threat a different name. Usually they use similar names.

Type
There are different characteristics associated with different types of threats.
• Virus - has the ability to replicate or infect computers or other programs
• Trojan Horse (or Trojan) - appear to be harmless programs when you get them. They unleash their payload when you double-click, open, or execute them.
• Phishing - a Web site or e-maill message posing as another company - usually one you know to fool you into giving the sender personal information.
• Worm - self replicates onto additional disks, computers or networks
• Spyware - installs on your system to collect information about your activity, preferences or interests
• Hoax - false messages sent by e-maill to mislead the recipient
• Backdoors - opens a security hole that allows outsiders to take control of your computer
• Dialer - uses your telephone to dial an outside number - sometimes a number that costs you money when dialed

Affects
Not all viruses affect all types of systems. Some, for example may affect only Windows 98 and 95, but not Windows XP or NT. Others affect all Windows systems, but not Macintosh. In this column, we show you the consumer systems that the threat is known to affect. We don't always include the servers that operate in your company's backroom.

Alert level
The level of awareness that anti-virus vendors suggest you need to have for each threat listed.
For each threat listed, we'll post a corresponding link here, so you can get more information to help you recognize, diagnose, prevent, and repair the problem.