A new category of malware known as "ransomware" is freezing up computers until consumers pay scammers hundreds of dollars to supposedly implement a fix.

The Internet Crime Complaint Center reports that Reveton malware has been seizing up computers with pop-up windows that are actually branded with the FBI logo! The pop-up window typically warns the computer contains "child pornography, unlicensed materials or 'computer-use negligence,' according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

Should you pay the ransom to free your computer? Absolutely not.

First, there's no way to tell the scammers will do what they say and not load additional viruses on your computer. Second, you're rewarding bad behavior if you pay them!

Normally I talk about using free antivirus software to prevent something like this. But now the warning is that won't get it done. The recommendation I have is to contact a professional to clean your computer. Even if you're able to unfreeze your computer yourself, elements of the virus could remain behind.

Here's how to protect yourself going forward:

• For basic protection, use anti-virus and anti-malware software and keep it up to date. See my Virus, Spyware and Malware Protection Guide for links to free options. 
• Keep your browsers, applications and plug-ins up-to-date with the latest security patches and updates. Be sure to do this at home on your own secure connection.
• When using WiFi at a hotel or other public hotspot, make sure you are using the real WiFi connection.  Some scammers try to lure people to a fake WiFi connection that can steal your info.
• When using public wifi of any kind, don't access your financial institutions or do any kind of bank transaction--do that at home only!