In a new twist on the old ransomware tactic for extorting money, a new variant of the CryptoLocker malware is locking up files associated with victims' games.

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The ransomware encrypts saves, maps, mods, and other game-related file types, according to a security report by Bromium Labs. Upon contracting the malware, the affected computers show a terrifyingly-red window with a warning stating the now-encrypted files will be unlockable unless users follow a sketchy link to pay for the right to unlock their own files.Files are targeted by their extensions, and according to Bromium, this particular brand of malicious software targets "more file types associated with video games than we have ever seen." It also says that recovering the data is often not possible even after reinstalling the game.Games like World of Warcraft, League of Legends , World of Tanks, and even sweet, innocent Minecraft are threatened by the software.The ransomware finds its way onto victims' computers through a Flash exploit on compromised websites. It's a new twist on an old trick, where a piece of aggressive, malicious software holds a computer or files hostage until payment has been extorted. Of course, bad guys being bad guys, payment usually just means the victim has paid money to unlock something that was never intended to be unlocked, with the added bonus that their credit card info is now in the hands of shady criminals.Be careful out there, is all. If you get this particular piece of ransomware on your computer, your totally sweet Minecraft files could be gone forever.

Seth Macy is a freelance writer who just wants to be your friend. Follow him on Twitter @sethmacy , and MyIGN at sethgmacy , or check out Seth Macy Photography on Flickr.