Cisco security researchers disable big distributor of "ransomware"

Disrupted: Cisco investigators broke up another ring of hackers specialising in ransomware.

SAN FRANCISCO: Cisco Systems Inc said it had managed to disrupt the spread of one of the most pernicious systems for infecting Internet users with malicious software such as so-called ransomware, which demands payment for decrypting users' data. 

The investigators from Cisco's Talos security unit were looking at the Angler Exploit Kit, which analysts at several companies say has been the most effective of several kits at capturing control of personal computers in the past year, infecting up to 40% of those it targeted.