Cryptolocker malware alert

Earlier this month we became aware of a dangerous and quickly spreading virus known as Cryptolocker. Working proactively, we have been taking aggressive measures to ensure our clients are protected. Unfortunately, this virus has many variants and there is no guarantee that it will be blocked, even by the most advanced Anti-Virus protection software or other security measures. The Malware is spread through email messages designed to get a user to click on an infected attachment. The email may appear to be sent from an account claiming to be customer support for a shipping carrier (UPS, FedEx), or Admin@yourdomainname, or someone sending you a past due invoice, or a variety of other suspicious senders. These email messages are designed to look real, but have an infected payload attached. It is very important that you do not click on any links or open any attachments in any suspicious email messages. If you are questioning an email message, chances are it’s not legitimate. If you don’t know the sender, be safe and delete it… Do NOT open it.

Cryptolocker has been infecting PCs around the world and effectively holding the files on the PC and network server for ransom. The files are encrypted and completely unusable. The users who have their files encrypted are requested to pay $300+ in order to receive a key to unlock them. Paying the ransom does not guarantee that the bad guys will provide the key. If files are encrypted, the best course of action is to restore from a backup.

This is a world-wide problem and it has been very difficult for law enforcement organizations to identify and shut down all of the Cryptolocker command and control center servers. This is a very malicious and destructive virus and could potentially cause you considerable downtime. The best way to stay safe is to delete any suspicious looking emails, and make sure that all valuable data is properly backed up.

Please share this information with your staff, friends and family. If you have any questions on this issue, or any other information security questions, please contact us at 517-679-3302 or by email at helpdesk@makingtecheasy.com.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve!

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