UCF InfoSec wants to make the UCF community aware of the potential for ransomware attacks. There is evidence suggesting cyber criminals will increase their attacks against educational institutions this year. With so much learning and working being performed virtually or remotely, a successful ransomware attack against the university would have significant consequences.
- What is ransomware?
Ransomware is malicious software (malware) that attempts to encrypt data stored on computers and networks. Once the data is locked, a message appears demanding a ransom for regaining access.
- What can I do to protect myself and UCF?
- Never click on links or open attachments in unsolicited emails.
- Ensure that any system you use is up to date with the latest software updates and security patches. Using unpatched systems to access university resources is against university policy.
- Ensure your systems are running an antimalware program and that it’s updated regularly.
- Use the Phish Alert Button to report phishing messages and forward any suspicious emails to SIRT@ucf.edu.
- What should I do if I suspect ransomware has infected my system?
If your system displays a ransom demand, or your files have become encrypted and you can no longer access them, take the following steps immediately:
-
- Isolate your computer by disconnecting any network connections. If you are unable to disconnect it from the network, power off the system.
- Contact the Security Incident Response Team (SIRT) via email at SIRT@ucf.edu from another non-infected device.
Want to learn more about cyber security? Join us for our virtual PegaSec Cyber Security Expo on Friday, October 30. Hear from industry experts and learn how you can better protect your systems from cyber criminals. See the full agenda and register here: https://infosec.ucf.edu/pegasec .