Ransomware scare ‘hacks’ computer usage
A local IT expert explains what the scare means and its implications.
POLOKWANE – A global ransomware scare has put computer users on alert after computer systems in more than 100 countries, South Africa included, have been attacked as from the weekend.
According to a local IT specialist the malware arrives through an e-mail sent to the user’s inbox. Should the user open the e-mail, the malware attacks all information on the computer and the information is then encrypted.
“The information is not wiped out, but the user cannot decode the encrypted information and access his information. The sender of the malware then send a message to the recipient to say that a code could normalise the information, and then ask for a ransom, usually to be paid in bitcoin.”
The user however, cannot be guaranteed that his information, or all of it, will be decripted after the ransom has been paid, or that the code will be send, warned the specialist.
He warned that users should not open any strange or unfamiliar e-mails or spam, and keep their anti-virus and computer programmes updated.
“If you do not have an anti-virus or anti-spyware programme installed, have it done as soon as possible. Filters for anti-virus programs must be set to the highest standard of security to detect unsolicited malware e-mails. Mailed can also be pre-viewed, and if you know how to set the pre-view settings, rather do that.”
