Ransomware - What to do?
There is a virus called CryptoLocker being sent to email addresses. CryptoLocker is a ransomware trojan targeting computers who run on Microsoft Windows. Ransomware is a form of malicious software or ‘malware’ which demands payment to unlock your computer and can often prove difficult to clean up or remove from both PCs and Macs.
CryptoLocker is commonly spread through infected email attachments, often disguised as a PDF. This virus encrypts your files, restricting access, holding your files 'ransom' for a certain fee. The virus threatens to delete files if this fee is not paid by a set deadline. This is something you should be careful of even if you have virus protection software installed, as it may not detect CryptoLocker.
How can you protect your data?
1. Install and regularly update anti-virus software to detect malware;
2. Regularly backup all your files to a cloud service in case your computer cannot be cleaned of the virus;
3. Inform all your staff of the risks and how to protect their data.
What to do if your computer is infected?
1. Disconnect your computer from internet immediately;
2. Disconnect all storage devices (USBs and Hard drives);
3. Switch off your computer;
4.Contact your IT department to format the PC or restore a backup image;
5. Once you are confident that your computer is virus free and you have a backup available, please contact GoodX to reinstall your software and restore your backup.
It is your responsibility to protect your data and make sure that your data is properly backed up and the backup is tested as reliable for a restoration process.