COLD-HEARTED hackers have created a fiendish new computer virus which can only be beaten by paying a ransom or infecting two of your friends.

Digital crime-fighters have sounded the alarm about a new piece of "ransomware" called Popcorn Time.

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This virulent cyber-superbug infects a victim's computer and encrypts all the files on their hard drive, meaning they are impossible to access.

People who've been infected can either pay a ransom using the digital currency bitcoin or opt to infect two other people.

It appears the virus is designed to capitalise on the popularity of an app called Popcorn Time, .

Although the two are not linked, it is believed cyber-crims may be trying to use the familiar app's brand identity to lure innocent victims into downloading the virus.

: "In a move that we have not seen with any other ransomware, the ransomware developer offers a "nasty way" for a victim to get a free decryption key by having them help to spread the ransomware.

"If two people become infected via the victim's "referral" link" and pay the ransom, then the victim will supposedly get a free key."

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Anyone who tries to guess the password is in for a surprise, because if they get it wrong four times, the virus will delete every file on their computer.

The nasty Popcorn Time is designed to resemble a video-streaming app.

But anyone who downloads the Popcorn Time virus, rather than than real program, is in for a nasty surprise.

If you click on it, the virus will flood through your computer system and

: "As Popcorn Time ransomware is still unfinished, it remains to be seen what the complete build of the program will be like.

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"The initial signs are bad. The cyber criminals try to push the victims to work in their favour.

"People are given a limited amount of time to consider their options and take action, as the deadline for using a decryption key is 7 days."

Be careful what you click on - and make sure your clique can be trusted.