Gaeilge Ransomware
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Threat Level: | 100 % (High) |
Infected Computers: | 8 |
First Seen: | September 10, 2012 |
Last Seen: | February 5, 2020 |
OS(es) Affected: | Windows |
The Gaeilge Ransomware infection is not particularly different from other known versions of ransomware Trojans that attack computers in Europe. However, the unique characteristic of Gaeilge Ransomware is the fact that this malicious infections' threatening message is written entirely in Gaelic, the traditional language of Ireland!
While it is not abnormal for criminals to create ransomware strains with messages written in the languages of the different countries in the European Union (in fact, there are ransomware Trojans with messages in all the major European languages, ranging from English and Italian to more country-specific ransomware messages like Danish, Finnish and Norwegian), finding a ransomware strain with such a rare, specific language as Gaelic is definitely an exceptional case that has caught the attention of PC security researchers. However, apart from its message in Gaelic, Gaeilge Ransomware does not differ from other, better-known ransomware Trojans. Like other ransomware Trojans, Gaeilge Ransomware should be disabled with the aid of an appropriate anti-malware program.
Gaeilge Ransomware carries out a typical version of the ransomware scam. Basically, Gaeilge Ransomware blocks access to Windows and then demands that the victim pay a one hundred Euro (or eighty pound) fine in order to regain access to the infected computer. The Gaeilge Ransomware message appears to be written in particularly poor Gaelic. Like most ransomware Trojans that carry out the same scam, Gaeilge Ransomware will claim that the victim's computer was used to access illegal pornography online. Then, Gaeilge Ransomware claims that the infected computer was placed in a fictional 'shut down mode' until the demanded fine is paid.
You should not pay this fine. Instead, you should repair your computer with a reliable anti-malware tool or with the help of a qualified professional. As far as ESG security researchers know, Gaeilge Ransomware is the first threat of its kind: the first known malware threat written in the Gaelic language. There are several elements in the Gaeilge Ransomware message that are designed to convince inexperienced computer users. For example, Gaeilge Ransomware uses a logo and an Irish flag that all look like what would appear in an official message associated with the Irish government. However, the message itself is so poorly written that it is barely understandable as Gaelic.
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