Further to our previous posts referencing ransomware going by the name of Locky, there is a new derivative called OSIRIS. As the end user, i am sure you are not really interested in the name of this invasive software but you should be aware of the devastating consequences should your computer get it.
To recap, Ransomware is a type of virus that will infiltrate your computer, normally posing as an email attachment. The email could be from anyone. The type of email template could be anything from a demand for the enclosed invoice to be paid or to an alleged missed parcel delivery and the attachment is the proof of non delivery. The attachment is actually the ransomware software. The moment you open the attachment, the software will install and the next thing you know, your files will be encrypted and you will receive the below message (or similar) on your screen. Your files will all have an extension of “.osiris”
Always remember one very important fact about ransomeware. if your computer gets infected, and your files become encrypted, THERE IS NO RECOVERY!!!!!!
To ensure 100% effective removal of the ransomware from your computer, it will need to be wiped and the operating system reinstalled. You will lose all your data.
Whilst we have no intention of scaring Clients, we can not recommend strongly enough the urgent need to the do the following on a daily basis:
- Check thoroughly before opening any email attachments, even if they seem to come from a friend
- Backup daily onto 2 different memory sticks of external hard drives and rotate them.
- Use a offsite backup solution such as Dropbox. Even if the local copy of Dropbox is encrypted, Dropbox Support can rollback your data prior to the issue
There are still a number of ransomware varieties in circulation and at the time of this post, antivirus and anti-malware software companies are unable to stop the installation of the ransomeware. The first and only line of defence is YOU!
In the event your computer becomes infected, remove the ethernet cable or turn off the wireless. Turn the machine off. If you had a hard drive or USB pen plugged in at the time, remove these but DO NOT insert them into any other computer. Your computer will need wiping to ensure it is safe to use again and your external drives will need checking.
Call PC Repair Leeds on 0113 8000192 if you require assistance with the above issue.
Credit to Mr D Hodnett for sending us the above screenshot.
