The ransomware variant Locky has returned after a brief period of reduced usage — however, now it only attacks outdated Windows operating systems, bleepingcomputer.com reports.
The variant primarily spreads via email spam, but only locks files on Windows XP and Vista devices, according to bleepingcomputer.com. By contrast, the ransomware is reportedly unable to encrypt files on updated Windows operating systems.
Spam emails containing Locky often appear as invoices, payment receipts and order confirmations that deliver zip files. The ransomware is stored in an exe file, which executes Locky, reports bleepingcomputer.com.
The new Locky variant accounted for 7.2 percent of the internet's email spam traffic last week, despite only targeting 10 percent of Windows users, according to Cisco researchers.
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