Expats News Updates & advice

Beware of the latest money extorting trojan

This Windows-Trojan is mainly distributed via e-mail attachments and web-downloads.

A trojan named “Locky” is currently paralysing computers of enterprises and private individuals with the aim of extorting ransom money. RadarServices, a leading managed security service provider warns that the new malicious virus is currently affecting Europe and the USA, and the Middle East enterprise sector may be susceptible target.

This Windows-Trojan is mainly distributed via e-mail attachments and web-downloads. The e-mails are disguised as invoices or messages and contain infected office documents. When opened, this malware does not only encrypt computer but also infects networks and cloud-storages such as dropbox.

In many cases, the Trojan integrates the infected computer in a botnet, thereby gaining remote control and the ability to spread the virus further in the network. As a result, companies are suffering from failures and enormous damages. As soon as the files are encrypted the blackmail appears on the screen with a ransom demand.

Aji Joseph, General Manager of RadarServices Middle East explains: “Threats especially on businesses are forever evolving and becoming more and more sophisticated. This current malware cannot be detected by antivirus programs, as the infected e-mail attachment is very professionally designed with an aim to extort money. Companies here should adopt a more proactive approach towards security.”

Source: KhaleejTimes

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