'Ransomware' attacks spark police warning
South Australia Police has warned internet users to be on the alert for ransomware attacks against their computers after a recent spate of reports.
Ransomware is a type of malicious software that can be used to extort victims.
A SAPOL spokesperson said reports from the public and the Australian Online Cybercrime Reporting Network indicated two types of attacks were currently being experienced.
“The first and more common of the attacks involves the victim receiving an email with an attachment which, when opened, encrypts any devices that the infected machine has access to.,” they said.
The hackers behind the attachments then demand money from the victim to restore access to their files or devices.
According to police individuals and businesses have been affected, however, those with good backup systems which are not attached to their primary devices can easily recover.
“For those who do not have backups recovery at this stage is not possible and all data will be lost unless payment is made to the criminal entities,” the spokesperson said.
The second common tactic for the ransomware scammers affects users who visit compromised websites or who download files which similarly lock users out of their machines or files.
There are ways to protect yourself though – do not open any email attachments that come from strange sources or those you do not trust. Even if the email comes from a person or business you trust, but was not expected, it can pay to contact the source to ensure it is a legitimate communication.
“If you operate a website for yourself or your company ensure your site has all vulnerabilities patched and security maintained,” the SAPOL spokesperson said.
“If you pay someone to manage your site ask them to ensure these patches and security are in place and up to date.
“If you have paid for a site to be created but are not paying any ongoing fees for maintenance it is likely your site is vulnerable to this type of intrusion or attack.”
Police have urged anyone who has been a victim of a ransomware or cybercrime attack to report the incident to Australian Online Cybercrime Reporting Network at www.acorn.gov.au
