Ransomware latest - Schools targetted by fraudulent calls
Posted 10th January 2017
According to the police, "fraudsters are posing as government officials in order to trick people into installing ransomware which encrypts files on victims’ computers."
Further to our previous advice on ransomware, please be aware that schools are receiving phone calls from fraudsters posing as 'Department of Education' officials who do the following:- Request an email address for a key member of staff in order to forward 'guidance forms'
- After obtaining the email address they send an email with a zip file attachment infected with ransomware
- Once the attachment has been downloaded the ransomware locks and encrypts computer files and asked for a ransom of up to £8,000 to regain access.
What should schools do?
- Be vigilant about Vishing ('Voice phishing') phone calls
- Only share email addresses with trusted sources
- Do not open any files attached to an email unless you know what it is
- Update your anti-virus software regularly
- Be prepared. Backup school files offsite on a regular basis
How can SBS help?
Service Desk support
If you are concerned that you have been targeted by ransomware, please call us on 0345 222 1551 • Option 1 (existing ICT customers) or 0345 222 1551 • Option 5 (non-ICT customers).
Once it has targeted your server, the ransomware will seek and infect all onsite data storage, as depicted above.
