Cyber-attack Threat
A large scale cyber-attack is expected in the next couple of weeks and computers running Windows software are said to be the most vulnerable according to a SkyNews report. Over the weekend, US and other agents seized servers around the world and freed 300,000 computers from the infection.
Prevention is better than cure!
Approximately 1 million computers have been infected WORLDWIDE by malware software “GOZeuS” and “CryptoLocker” which steals bank details and other financial data. They typically infect computers via attachments or links contained in emails appearing to be legitimate.
Infected emails are generated by other victims’ computers, who do not realise they are infected, and are used to send out numerous emails creating more victims.
CryptoLocker is only activated when the first attack was not profitable enough and locks a victim from their files, threatening to delete them unless a ransom is paid. This malware has infected 234,000 computers and made millions of dollars from payments in its first 2 months.
This seems to be a highly lucrative career…
This threat is mainly against businesses and individuals running Windows-based computers. The US and UK are on high-alert and actively trying to curb the large-scale malware attack, but South Africa is not in the clear just yet!
How it works:
If you click on “GOZeuS, it silently monitors your activity and attempts to capture information such as banking details.Infected emails are generated by other victims’ computers, who do not realise they are infected, and are used to send out numerous emails creating more victims.
CryptoLocker is only activated when the first attack was not profitable enough and locks a victim from their files, threatening to delete them unless a ransom is paid. This malware has infected 234,000 computers and made millions of dollars from payments in its first 2 months.
This seems to be a highly lucrative career…
This threat is mainly against businesses and individuals running Windows-based computers. The US and UK are on high-alert and actively trying to curb the large-scale malware attack, but South Africa is not in the clear just yet!
We urge all computer users to regularly scan for viruses, back up important files and ensure that their security software and operating systems are up to date.
Prevention is better than cure!
The Computer Guyz is a full-service IT Support company with 15 years' industry experience in Cape Town and Centurion; don't hesitate to contact us for your antivirus needs.
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