You may have heard about the ever increasing Ransomware/Cryptolocker virus attacks that have been causing damage to individuals and businesses.  Once the virus is on your machine, it will encrypt all of your files (including any network drive files) and then demand a ransom to retrieve your files back.  In most cases, even if the ransom is paid you will still not get your files back.  The only way to retrieve them is to rely on your backup system.

There are two main methods that this virus can infect your machine/network.

1. Spam e-mail with an infected attachment or hyperlink

2. Browsing an infected website

We would urge all of our clients to use extra caution when receiving e-mails with attachments or links, even if they appear to come from a legitimate source or from someone you know.  If you’re not expecting an e-mail attachment, please do not open it!  If you’re unsure, then contact the person who sent you the attachment first before opening it, just to be on the safe side.  A lot of these e-mails pretend to come from legitimate companies such as HMRC.

Make sure that your anti-virus program is up-to-date.  But please be aware that no anti-virus program can offer you 100% protection against these types of attacks.  This is why extra vigilance is required.

We hope that this problem never affects you or your business but if it does, don’t hesitate to contact us.