First Gaelic-language malware discovered by Irishman


Dubbed Gaeilge, the ransomware locks up an infected computer and demands €100 (£80) for an unlock code.


Gaeilge tells computer users that attempts to access online pornography sent it into shut-down mode.




The IT specialist presumed the hacker used an unreliable translator, because only about 60 per cent of the virus makes sense in Irish. "However, it looks good enough to scare people and some people might be inclined to hand over some money to have the computer unlocked," McGarvey stated.

Actually handing over the funds wouldn't actually help though, according to McGarvie, as the scammers won't actually unlock the computer, but instead just take the money via international transfer, and run.

"People could not unlock it themselves but it can be unlocked by a computer technician," McGarvey added.