CryptoLocker virus emails on the rise

We notified you last week that the CryptoLocker virus is becoming more active.

This is an incredibly destructive virus. Today, we learned that the email and method used to distribute the virus code has changed.

One of the new ways they are sending it out is to make it look like an incoming "Voicemail message" - but it still arrives as a .zip file (see below). The virus encrypts all of the data on your system, and then demands a ransom to give you your files back. Recovery without paying...impossible!

Preventing CryptoLocker virus infection

This nasty virus is spread by opening email attachments or via social media links. Spam and virus filtering systems block some emails that contain elements of this malware, but no virus or spam filtering software can be 100% effective.

Awareness is the best form of prevention for this awful virus. Notify your employees immediately, and make sure everyone follows these basic preventative measures:

• Do NOT click on attachments in emails from someone you don't know or companies from which you haven't expressed interest in receiving information.
• Do NOT click on links, advertisements or pictures that pop up on your screen when visiting other websites.
• Do NOT respond to unsolicited emails.
• Do NOT disable security settings such as antivirus, firewall, filtering, and site monitoring programs.
• DO have a proper backup solution already set up! Make sure you routinely test those backups. This is critical to recovery should you "catch Crypto." PLEASE NOTE: Some simple or improperly-set up backup solutions such as flash drives, USB hard drives, etc. may be vulnerable to the virus as well.

Call us today to ensure that you are protected!

Thank you,

The IT Security Team at Connections for Business
Tel: (954) 920-9604