The FBI reports the infamous Cryptowall ransomware has extorted around $18 million from its victims.

The bureau said in an alert meant to highlight the financial impact of ransomware that cryptowall is still the most active malware of the ransomware family.

Between April 2014 and June 2015, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center received 992 complaints regarding Cryptowall.

Financial losses come from the ransom itself, which can be up to $10,000, as well as from costs associated with data breach mitigation, legal fees, purchase of credit monitoring services, etc. Home computers are not the only one targeted. Businesses, financial institutions, government agencies, academic institutions and other organizations have been infected with ransomware.

Hundreds of mailboxes have been hit with the malicious .chm attachment.

Here are some extra tips to stay ransomware-free:

• Regularly back up your data
• Keep UAC enabled
• Use an anti-malware solution with anti-exploit, anti-malware and anti-spam modules
• Follow good internet practices. Avoid questionable websites, link and attachments in emails from uncertain sources.
• Enable ad-blocking tools
• Keep your Windows operating system and your vulnerable software- especially the browser and the browser plug-ins – up to date

Source: HotForSecurity