Malware hides behind seemingly harmless mail attachments and on websites. We will show you how you can protect yourself.
File access is blocked, connected drives are encrypted: a genuine horror scenario for private individuals and companies. So-called ransomware causes enormous damage around the globe. Even after paying a ransom, not all files can always be retrieved. The system must be reset entirely while data and back-ups have to be retrieved. In addition to private households, the victims include numerous SMEs. Authorities and hospitals are also affected.
To avoid these problems, you should observe the following points:
Only open legitimate e-mails. Delete message with attachments from unknown senders or, if in doubt, ask the sender.
Use a hard disc for your back-ups that is not permanently connected to your computer.
- Keep your system up to date
Regular software updates eliminate errors and vulnerabilities. They offer the best defence against viruses, worms and cyber-criminals.
Is your computer infected despite the precautionary measures? Then apply the following steps immediately:
- Disconnect your computer from all networks, re-install the system and change all passwords.
- Install the back-up data on the system. If no back-up is available, you should keep the encrypted data because you may be able to decrypt it at a later date.
- Report the incident to the Swiss Coordination Office for Combating Internet Crime (KOBIK) and file a complaint with your local police station.
- Do not pay a ransom. This strengthens the criminal infrastructure. Furthermore, there is no guarantee that your files will be decrypted.
upc cablecom is a member of the Swiss Internet Security Alliance (SISA) and proactively informs potentially-affected customers on a daily basis. In the coming weeks, you will learn more about the work of our abuse desk specialists.