A growing number of South Koreans are falling victim to ransomware, a type of malware that holds a computer hostage until the user pays a ransom.
 
According to Rancert, which provides free anti-ransomware software, the number of cases reported by personal computer users stood at 927 in November.
 
It was 11 times the monthly average of 85 reported between March and September.
 
Rancert said in order to avoid falling victim to the malware, people need to back-up their computers as well as install anti-ransomware software.
 
It warned that the newest forms of ransomware contain algorithms that automatically circumvent security or anti-virus programs and thus spread quickly.
 
It advised South Korean PC users to stay alert, saying the newest ransomware, called Cryptowall 4.0, is moving to South Korea after inflicting huge damages in Australia.