GTS Solutions Blog

GTS Solutions has been serving the Chapin area since 2009, providing IT Support such as technical helpdesk support, computer support, and consulting to small and medium-sized businesses.

Alert: Microsoft Outlook Users Be Wary of New Ransomware

Alert: Microsoft Outlook Users Be Wary of New Ransomware

Ransomware is a particularly nasty strain of malware that continues to pop up in unexpected forms. In the case of a new variant of called Cerber, it targets users of Microsoft Outlook using a zero-day vulnerability via phishing messages. To make matters worse, Cerber can also utilize DDoS attacks, which is a major cause for concern.

Distributed Denial of Service attacks utilize previously-infected “botnets” (networks of infected computers) to slam the targeted system with a ferocious amount of traffic. The legs of the targeted system eventually buckle, and the organization’s operations are crippled by downtime. Now that ransomware is using DDoS attacks, it becomes much riskier to ignore a ransomware warning. Plus, the infected computer is brought into the botnet and used to torture other poor souls who are unfortunate enough to get infected.

Cerber demands a ransom of 1.24 Bitcoins to unlock the ransomware. As of this time of writing, 1.24 Bitcoins are valued at approximately $718.

The intended victim receives an email containing the ransomware which, when activated, adds three files to the desktop of the victim’s computer. Each contains the same message; one is a simple TXT file, another is HTML, and the third is a Visual Basic Script that converts to an audio message. Their message reads: Attention! Attention! Attention! Your documents, photos, databases and other important files have been encrypted! To add insult to injury, this message will trigger every time you boot your computer.

The hackers make it quite easy for users to pay the ransom. The two files contain instructions to navigate to the Tor payment site, while also offering some inspirational advice: “What doesn’t kill me makes me stronger,” transcribed in Latin. In most cases, we recommend against paying the ransom, but sometimes it’s unavoidable; particularly if you don’t have a secure data backup. Still, there’s no guarantee that the hacker will ever release your files, and contributing funds will only further their goals to attack others like yourself.

There’s currently no known way to eliminate Cerber, which makes it crucial to protect your systems from infection. In particular, you should focus on security best practices and identify phishing scams, as this is the primary mode through which ransomware spreads. As the business owner, you need to ensure that your organization follows these practices, from the top-down.

  • Users need to understand email security best practices. This includes being wary of unsolicited messages that contain attachments or suspicious links.
  • All of your organization's mission-critical data should be backed up and stored in an isolated location. This way, even if your network becomes infected with ransomware, you can just restore the backup to avoid paying the hackers.
  • Keep your systems updated with the latest versions of software solutions, and always keep your antivirus solution updated with the latest threat definitions. Malware designers are always trying to outpace security professionals, so stay one step ahead to help keep yourself secure.

For more information about cyber security and other best practices, reach out to GTSS at (803) 298-3008.

Tip of the Week: How Tracking Your Net Worth Can B...
It Pays to Outsource Your IT
 

Comments

No comments made yet. Be the first to submit a comment
Guest
Already Registered? Login Here
Guest
Tuesday, 05 November 2024

Captcha Image

Blog Archive

2022
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
2021
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
2020
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
2019
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
2018
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
2015
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
October
November

Mobile? Grab this Article

QR Code
Request a Consultation

GTSS strives to provide the best comprehensive IT, Computer, and Networking services to small businesses. We can handle all of your organization's technology challenges.

Contact Us
Contact Us

Learn more about what GTSS can do for your business.

700 Gervais St. Suite 250,
Columbia, SC 29201

Call us: (803) 298-3008

Toll Free: (888) 511-9017

News & Updates
North Charleston, SC Feb 2021: The first port in North America to implement Cisco's FluidMesh Fluidity mobile solution for port operations at the South Carolina Ports Authority new Hugh Leatherman Terminal. The GTS Solutions, Inc. team was able ...