The infamous CryptoLocker ransomware made its way into the computer systems of a Vermont chamber of commerce, costing it $5,000 to replace computers, servers and hard-drives.
A ransom message appeared on the computers of the Bennington Area Chamber of Commerce in early February, demanding $400 in order to avoid having its computer files permanently locked, according to a report by the Bennington Banner.
Before the organization paid the ransom, a power failure cut off communication causing all of its digital records to be lost. The missing information included the chamber's member list, image folders used for producing newsletters and brochures, and grant information.
The malware, which typically makes its way into computer systems via phishing, has also strong-armed the Swansea Police Department in Massachusetts to pay a $750 ransom in November to unlock files on its network.
