A common cyber attack that everyone should be aware of – “ransomware”.
This is to bring to your notice that we want to highlight a common cyberattack that everyone should be aware of –i.e. “ransomware”.
Ransomware is increasingly being used by hackers to extort money from companies/corporates. Ransomware is a type of malicious software that takes over your computer and prevents you from accessing files until you pay a ransom.
Although many companies maintain & controls to help protect your networks and computers from this type of attack, with the quickly changing attack scenarios we rely on you to be our first line of defence. Here are some simple things you can do to help your company, avoid a virus/ransomware/malware attack.
Think Before You Click:
The most common way ransomware enters company/corporate networks is through “EMAIL”. And the main mode of communication with every customer is through “EMAIL” only. Often, scammers will include malicious links or attachments in emails that look harmless. To avoid this trap, please observe the following email best practices:
• Do not click on links or attachments from senders that you do not recognize. Be especially careful of .zip .rar or other compressed or executable file types or web-link for shared files (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.).
• Do not provide sensitive personal information (like usernames, passwords and remote session details) over email.
• Watch for email senders that use suspicious or misleading domain names.
• Do not surf the web unnecessarily when you are at the office/workplace. Do not click unwanted/attractive ads or offers on the webpages. Keep your system away from social media.
• Be especially cautious when opening attachments or clicking links if you receive an email containing a warning banner indicating that it originated from an external source.
• Once the RANSOMEWARE attacks your system; you cannot use it or access the files/programs/applications. Even the antivirus will not scan/recognize the ransomware infected files. So Think Before You Click any web-links or attachments.
If Something Seems Wrong, Notify IT Team:
If your computer is infected with ransomware, you will typically be locked out of all programs and a “ransom screen” will appear. In the unfortunate event that you click a link or attachment that you suspect is malware or ransomware, please notify IT team immediately.
Thanks again for helping to keep your network, systems, and your people, safe from these cyber threats.