Advice on Ransomware
What is ransomware and actions you should take if you suspect your equipment is infected.
Computer viruses that threaten to delete your files unless you pay a ransom are known as ransomware
Ransomware attacks are on the increase and users must be vigilant.
You may have heard on the news that organisations around the globe are experiencing a new ransomware pandemic.
The threat usually arrives as an e-mail with attachments and/or links that when opened will encrypt files on your local PC, and in some cases, any network file stores that you have “write” access to.
Take Action
Do not open e-mail attachments or links you were not expecting.
If in doubt, check with the sender first.
The ISD Service Desk may assist in evaluation if you are unsure.
If you suspect that your PC is infected:
- Immediately turn off the PC
- Contact the Service Desk for assistance
- DO NOT turn the PC back on without the approval of the ISD Service Desk
| Telephone | Out of Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| 028 9036 6777 | servicedesk@ulster.ac.uk | Details on Out of Hours Support |
Mitigate Risks
To mitigate the risks of these attacks organisations must:
- Ensure your systems have the latest security patches (SSE systems receive these updates automatically)
- Ensure all anti-virus and anti-malware updates have been installed (SSE systems receive these updates automatically)
- If you have a system that is not managed by IT ensure these patches are installed or contact the Service Desk to be added to the SSE environment
The Impact
You could lose the data stored on your PC and/or network file stores that you have “write” access to.
Stay Up To Date
Updates will be provided as appropriate via
- the ISD Twitter channel
- the UniDesk Self-Service Portal under Current News
- other communications methods such as Global Mail-shots