News reports have dominated the headlines for the past 24 hours concerning an imminent cyber-attack which is said to be targeting users’ financial or company data.

Source of the threat

The most common source of Cryptolocker and GOZeuS infections is generally via a link or email attachment. Please be vigilant, since these emails may actually appear to have been sent from somebody you know.

The UK National Crime Agency warned of a ‘powerful computer attack’, commenting: “The links or attachments may look like they have been sent by genuine contacts and may purport to carry invoices, voicemail messages, or any file made to look innocuous.”

What you can do to protect yourself?

Essentially, our recommendations to users are threefold:

  • Keep an eye on your antivirus software and ensure it is kept up to date, with on-access scanning enabled / turned on your desktops and laptops
  • Ensure data is backed up regularly / your backups are operational and working
  • Ensure desktop operating systems are kept up-to-date with Windows updates wherever possible
  • Many antivirus vendors have protected users from this virus since February 2014 and providing your Anti-Virus is up to date, you should be relatively safe from infection.

Movaci Unified Threat Management Systems are already configured to identify and block these attacks.

Also customers whose contracts include Managed Services and scheduled Windows updates will be alerted in the usual way if anomalies arise with their server antivirus or backups.

Remain vigilant

Whilst the above services will act as an aid and in most cases will protect our clients; as an extra precaution, Movaci reminds all users to make a conscious effort to keep an eye on the critical areas above and to remain vigilant.

Educating staff to not open any attachments or click on links within emails that arouse suspicion or that you were not expecting is recommended.

As always if you have any further concerns or questions please contact your Movaci account manager or the service department using the usual contact methods.