Miscreants have developed a ransomware package that blocks internet access in
a bid to force infected users into paying up by sending a text message to a
premium rate SMS number, lining the pocket of cybercrooks in the process.
The malware comes bundled in a package called uFast Download Manager and
targets potential marks in Russia. Users of infected machines are told (via a
Russian language message) that they need to send a text message in order to
obtain an activation code for the product, which (ironically) poses as a
software package designed to increase download speeds. Victims are told that
internet access has been blocked in the meantime because of supposed violations
of a licensing agreement.