Ransomware Uses Secret Email

Emails Pretending To Be Secret Admirers Could Be Ransomware

Nemty Ransomware isn't an especially well-known threat, but it's dangerous and should not be discounted. Recently, researchers have discovered an ongoing spam-email driven campaign that's attempting to spread the ransomware far and wide.

An unknown group of hackers are sending out what appear to be love letters from secret admirers in a broad pattern.

They are probably simply using email addresses purchased in bulk on the Dark Web. The emails use a variety of subject lines like "Letter for You," "Will be our secret," "Can't Forget you," and "I love you." They have no body text and feature nothing more than a wink emoji. That is clearly a bid to entice recipients into responding by clicking on the enclosed attachment to see what all the fuss is about and get to the bottom of the mystery.
Unfortunately, those that do so doom themselves. The attached file is a poisoned Java Script that installs the ransomware, which promptly locks the user's files and then displays a ransom payment demand.

The fact that Nemty isn't widely known works in its favor, as it gives the malware a very low VirusTotal detection rate. That will undoubtedly lead to a higher than usual percentage of infections until an increasing number of antivirus companies add the malware to their definitions. It's a short-term advantage, but one the hackers will surely make full use of until the AV companies catch up.

Nemty's developers have also threatened to create a blog, which will be used to release sensitive information of those who refuse to pay the ransom.

Finally, be aware that Nemty is known for deleting shadow copies as it encrypts files. So if you're not in the habit of making regular backups, if you get hit with this strain, you will have no way of recovering your data. Make sure your employees are aware!

Call SpartanTec, Inc. and let our team of IT experts set in place cybersecurity measures that could protect you and your employees from fraudulent emails, ransomware, and other online threats. 

SpartanTec, Inc.
Greenville, SC 29601
(864) 326-5914
https://spartantec-greenville.business.site/
Cities Served
Greenville, Spartansburg, Mauldin, East Park, Overbrook, West Greenville, Greer

Stop Ransomware Attacks With Network Segregation, Segmentation

There has been lots of ransomware attacks against organizations in the healthcare industry over the past years. In some cases, there have been devastating consequences. Fortunately, network segmentation and segregation can help.

From patient data that have been compromised to EHR downtime, such cyberattacks could disrupt the facility’s operation significantly. Network segmentation and network segregation are measures that can assist in mitigating the risks from such typical attacks. The separation of important networks from internal network, less sensitive networks, or from the internet is referred to as network segregation. Meanwhile, network segmentation, involves dividing the bigger network to smaller ones. This can be achieved through virtual local area networks, firewalls, as well as other separation methods.

Both of these approaches can stop ransomware attacks that will encrypt files on your network, restrict access to those files, and bring the victim to a web page and given instructions on how they can pay a ransom using bitcoin so they can unlock their files. How can healthcare firms and organizations create and implement such measures to protect their data and infrastructure from such attacks?

Network Segregation and Network Segregation

One effective way of prevent ransomware attacks is air gapping, which involves separating the network from internal networks that may be unsecured and from the internet. This measure could create usability problems within the firm.

Network segmentation is another solution that is network based. It involves dividing bigger networks into smaller segments using separation techniques such as VLANs or virtual local area networks. Function can be used as a basis when segmenting networks like splitting human resources from finance. It can also be done by data like separating non regulated data from PHI. Segmentation will lay down the ground work for controls that offer protection from lateral movement on the network by hackers or ransomware, thus preventing compromise or infection from being spread across your organization’s network.

Organizations have to make sure that they perform patches to lessen their vulnerability, install antivirus software, and follow only the best practices when it comes to cybersecurity hygiene. They should also train their workforce, use email protection, and updated antivirus software. Ransomware will continue to be a threat to the healthcare industry into the near future. There are things organizations can take to prevent ransomware from infecting their network and decrease the damage in case a ransomware attack succeeds at first. Network segmentation and network segregation are two methods that healthcare organizations can take to mitigate the risk of encountering ransomware. They may be costly or complex but they can save organizations from the damage in their system, finances, and reputation as well as patient risk that a ransomware attack will result in.

Call SpartanTec, Inc. if you need help in making sure that your organization and network is safe against ransomware attacks.

SpartanTec, Inc.
Greenville, SC  29601
(864) 326-5914

https://spartantec-greenville.business.site/

Cities Served
Greenville, Spartansburg, Mauldin, East Park, Overbrook, West Greenville, Greer

Ransomware Can Make Installing Illegal Software More Risky

Several established companies do not deal in unlicensed copies of commercial software, however, there have been some reported cases. There is also a huge probability that a person who is on a tight budget who is willing to do more work from the comfort of their home to install a cracked free copy of a specific program. The problem is, all those who choose to go that route are more at risk than before.

Hackers have started to embed different kinds of ransomware and malware into cracked free copies of a variety of programs. There are security researches from the web who have reported ransomware, like the strain called STOP, is becoming more prevalent in software cracks. These include programs like Photoshop, Windows activation kids, and even anti-virus programs. Just like other kinds of ransomware, by the time you notice signs that your computer has become infected, it is already too late. Through the installation of what you may have thought of as a free version, you will end up having your files locked and encrypted. You will then get a ransom page asking you to pay a large amount of cash if you want to get your files back.

If you are looking for a silver lining in all of these, it’s the fact that the STOP ransomware is not as good as other known malware. There is a chance that you can decrypt your files by yourself and without the help of an IT support but it will surely take some time and a lot of effort. But, it has been accomplished in some cases.

Regardless, STOP is becoming more widespread through crackedsoftware. To make sure that you don’t have to face this kind of problem, it is better if you totally avoid using cracks. Yes, there are instances when you feel that there are certain companies that are overcharging for their product. The problem is that if you opt to use an illegal copy instead of the legitimate one, you are putting all of your personal and company data at risk.

Keep your computers safe and secure with the help of IT professionals from SpartanTec, Inc.

SpartanTec, Inc.
Greenville, SC 29601
(864) 326-5914
https://spartantec-greenville.business.site/

Cities Served
Greenville, Spartansburg, Mauldin, East Park, Overbrook, West Greenville, Greer