UCF InfoSec wants to remind the UCF community to be on the alert for the threat of ransomware. The education sector is one of the two most targeted industries for these types of cyberattacks, and at least 30 colleges and universities have been affected by ransomware in 2020.
What is ransomware?
Ransomware has become one of the greatest information security threats. This malicious software attempts to encrypt the files stored on computers and networks. Once the files are locked, a message appears demanding payment for access to the files.
How serious is this threat?
In addition to preventing access to data, some attackers now also threaten to release sensitive information if the targeted organization doesn’t pay the ransom. Last month, University of California San Francisco paid $1.14 million to unlock their data and receive assurances from the attackers that they wouldn’t release the information.
What can I do to protect myself and UCF from ransomware?
- Closely examine the sender’s name and email address in any unexpected emails;
- Contact the sender of an unexpected email via a known good phone number before taking any action, such as downloading an attachment or clicking a link;
- Ensure that any systems you use are up to date with the latest security patches. Using unpatched systems to access university resources is against university policy;
- Ensure your system is running an antimalware program that is updated regularly;
- Use the Phish Alert button to report phishing messages and forward any suspicious emails to SIRT@ucf.edu.
If you believe your UCF system has been infected with ransomware, isolate it by disconnecting any network connections. Power off the system if you are unable to disconnect it from the network. You should immediately e-mail SIRT@ucf.edu from a different, non-infected device.
UCF InfoSec is here to support you with cyber security issues. If you have any questions, please feel free to e-mail infosec@ucf.edu.
Thank you,
UCF Information Security Office
infosec.ucf.edu
infosec@ucf.edu