CryptoLocker Ransomeware at ODU
<p> <strong>CryptoLocker Ransomeware at ODU</strong></p> <p> The United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-CERT) has issued an advisory concerning CryptoLocker Ransomeware Infections in which documents on the computer and on the user’s home drive and shared drives become encrypted and unrecoverable ( <a href="http://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/alerts/TA13-309A">http://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/alerts/TA13-309A</a> ).</p> <p> Recently two computers at ODU have been infected with this malware. We have taken a number of steps to protect computers on our network. However, nothing can replace the use of safe computing practices by our computer users.</p> <p> US-Cert, and the ODU IT Security Office recommend these preventative measures to protect your computer from this and other infections:</p> <p> · Maintain current security patches (ITS managed workstations are patched routinely)</p> <p> · Maintain current McAfee anti-virus definitions (ITS managed workstations maintain current A\V definitions)</p> <p> · Backup important data to an offline repository. (Home and shared folders are backed up to an offline repository).</p> <p> · Do not follow unsolicited web links in email messages or submit any information to webpages in links</p> <p> · Use caution when opening email attachments. Refer to the Security Tip “Using Caution with Email Attachments” ( <a href="http://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/tips/st04-010">http://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/tips/st04-010</a> )</p> <p> · Refer to the “Recognizing and Avoiding Email Scams” document ( <a href="http://www.us-cert.gov/sites/default/files/publications/emailscams_0905.pdf">http://www.us-cert.gov/sites/default/files/publications/emailscams_0905.pdf</a> )</p> <p> · Refer to the Security Tip “Avoiding Social Engineering and Phishing Attacks” ( <a href="http://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/tips/st04-014">http://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/tips/st04-014</a> )</p> <p> If you think your computer is infected, you can call the ITS Help Desk at 683-3192, email at <a href="mailto:itshelp@odu.edu">itshelp@odu.edu</a>, or fill out an online incident report at <a href="http://occs.odu.edu/security/incident/form/">http://occs.odu.edu/security/incident/form/</a> .</p> <p> Doug Streit<br /> Information Security Officer</p> <p> <a href="http://www.odu.edu/ts/security">http://www.odu.edu/ts/security</a></p>
Posted By: John Streit
Date: Mon Feb 24 13:45:13 EST 2014