Ransomware
Across Merseyside there has been an increase in reported cases of ransomware. This post offers brief advice and guidance in relation to ransomware, for further information please visit the National Cyber Security Centre website at www.ncsc.gov.uk for up-to-date cyber advice and guides for businesses of all sizes.
What is Ransomware?
Ransomware is a type of malware which prevents you from accessing your device and the data stored on it, usually by encrypting your files. A criminal group will then demand a ransom in exchange for decryption. The computer itself may become locked, or the data on it might be encrypted, stolen or deleted. The attackers may also threaten to leak the data they steal.
How does ransomware work?
- Attackers gain access to your network. They establish control and plant malicious encryption software. They may also take copies of your data and threaten to leak it.
- The malware is activated, locking devices and causing the data across the network to be encrypted, meaning you can no longer access it.
- Usually you will then receive an on-screen notification from the cyber criminal, explaining the ransom and how to make the payment to unlock your computer or regain access to your data.
Should I pay the ransom?
Law enforcement does not encourage, endorse nor condone the payment of ransom demands. If you do pay the ransom:
• there is no guarantee that you will get access to your data or computer
• your computer will still be infected
• you will be paying criminal groups
• you’re more likely to be targeted in future
For this reason, it is important that you always have a recent offline backup of your most important files and data. The NCSC provide further detailed guidance in relation to preventing and responding to ransomware and for organisations to carry out monitoring and detection on their networks.
Several million cases of fraud and of computer misuse are reported to the police every year. It’s staggering, but even more staggering is that so many of those crimes could have been prevented by making a few small changes in online behaviour.
To avoid becoming a victim of online crime you don’t need to be a computer expert. Developing a few good online habits drastically reduces your chances of becoming a victim of cyber crime, makes you less vulnerable and lets you use the web safely.
Report cyber crime:
If you are currently being subjected to a live and ongoing cyber-attack then please contact us on 101.
If you suspect you’ve been scammed, defrauded or experienced cyber crime, the Action Fraud team can also provide the help, support and advice you need. Call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or visit https://www.actionfraud.police.uk
Police CyberAlarm
Police CyberAlarm is a tool to help businesses understand and monitor malicious cyber activity. This service is made up of two parts; monitoring and vulnerability scanning. It acts as a “CCTV camera” monitoring the traffic seen by a member’s connection to the internet. It will detect and provide regular reports of suspected malicious activity, enabling your business to better to defend against the latest cyber threats. The data collected by the system does not contain any traffic content (we cannot see this – it is the metadata only) and is designed to protect personal data, trade secrets and intellectual property.
Sign up at https://cyberalarm.police.uk/
North West Cyber Resilience Centre
North West Cyber Resilience Centre is a not-for-profit venture between North West Police forces and Manchester Digital. Work together with seconded Police officers, to produce a range of free guidance materials to help make you more cyber resilient. NWCRC also provide affordable, professional cyber security services to small businesses inclusive of:
• Security Awareness Training
• Digital Footprint Assessments
• Network Vulnerability Assessments
• Website Vulnerability Assessments
Sign up at https://www.nwcrc.co.uk/membership
Merseyside Police – https://www.merseyside.police.uk
Cyber dependent crime unit – E-mail – Cyber.Dependent.Crime.Unit@merseyside.police.uk
Post date: 26 July 2022