WHAT IS RANSOMWARE?

Ransomware, for example, CryptoLocker, WannaCry or BIP Dharma, is a type of malware that installs itself on a device, takes files on the device or network storage, encrypts them, and then extorts money from the user to unlock the files.  This type of programme can be installed by means of an e-mail attachment, an infected programme or unsafe website with malware installed on it. 

The software “kidnaps” your data by encrypting or limiting your access to it and then sending you a message demanding money to regain your access. The only way access is possible again is by acquiring an encryption key from the creator of the ransomware at a fee. However, paying this fee doesn’t guarantee that you will have access to your data again, so doing this is a huge risk.

According to Sophos security ransomware is one of the most widespread and damaging threats that internet users face today. 

HOW TO AVOID BECOMING A RANSOMWARE VICTIM 

You can practice the following security practices to avoid falling victim to ransomware.

1. Make backups

Ensure that you always have the latest backup of your work somewhere else, preferably off-site. If you do fall for a ransomware attack, you will still have your data. Having your data off-site also protects it from events such as a fire, flood or theft or damage to your device. Additionally, you can encrypt your device to ensure that if it ends up in the wrong hands, they won’t be able to access it. 

2. Do not open attachments

If you receive an attachment from someone you don’t know. And even if you do know the person, first confirm whether they did send it to you. Just because it’s from someone you know, it doesn’t mean it’s safe. Your colleague or friend’s account could have been hacked. 

3. Scan attachments

There are tools such as VirusTotal available for scanning attachments to ensure that they are safe to open. VirusTotal is an online scanning tool and can be found at https://www.virustotal.com/#/home/upload.

4. Keep Windows updated

Make sure all Windows updates are installed as soon as they come out. Also make sure you update all programmes, especially Java, Flash, and Adobe Reader. Older programs contain security vulnerabilities that are commonly exploited by malware distributors. Therefore it is important to keep them updated.

5. Security software

Make sure you have some sort of security software installed. If you are unsure whether you have adequate protection on your device, contact us to assess your security.

6. Difficult password

Use hard passwords and never reuse the same password at multiple sites.

[SOURCE: www.sophos.com]

It seems that there are a number of you who make some use of TripAdvisor.com for planning your overseas trips. TripAdvisor is travel and restaurant website that provides hotel and restaurant reviews, accommodation bookings etc. but the phishing scammers are currently targeting South African and Australian users with a phishing scam to try to get access to their TripAdvisor account.

Be on the lookout for a phishing scam that *might* target university personnel and student accounts over the next few days:

Hi <your name>,

Want to keep your username?
Since you haven’t been on TripAdvisor in a while, your username <your TripAdvisor username> will expire in two weeks. Want to keep it? Simply click on the button below:

Keep my username

While this might not seem to be much of an issue for some people, the real danger is that, in many cases, university personnel and students – some making use of TripAdvisor,  use the same password for all their Internet accounts. According to a recent Ofcom report, over 55% of Internet users older than 16 used the same password for most – if not all! – the websites they tended to use.

If you do use the same password for lots of sites, and one of those sites are hacked, (like Tripadvisor) and hackers could start using your “leaked password” on multiple sites, they could gain access to more areas of your life such as your email, banking, social media and other accounts.

A very useful site to check if any of your online account have been hacked is https://haveibeenpwned.com/ This site helps you to check if you have an account that has been compromised in a data breach. 

I concede that remembering passwords can be a real challenge, especially if you have a lot of online accounts. I recommend using password management software – also sometimes known as a password vault – like 1Password, KeePass and Lastpass.

Password management software can remember all your hard-to-crack passwords for you (they can even generate them to make sure they’re super complex), and store them securely behind one master password.

Please be very careful out there. Don’t become a statistic or a victim of identity theft!

[Article by David Wiles]