Can your desktop automatically encrypt every file that that you put onto it?

[meridius]

My Windows XP Desktop has suddenly started encrypting every file that I move onto it. What is the reason for? Is there a virus that does this? How can I stop it doing it?

 

[iPwn]

This is indeed a virus... I would disconnect every USB drive you have immediately and then boot into Safe Mode, get all your files off the computer and then reinstall XP. This is not exactly new but hackers are holding your files "hostage" until you pay a fee.

Hackers encrypt files then hold them for ransom