From the National Crime Agency website:
The National Crime Agency is warning people they have two weeks to save their computers from a powerful malicious software attack. The malware called GOZeuS is hiding within attachments in emails and, once downloaded, enables hackers to access computers and scan them for valuable information.
If no data is found, a second malware, known as CryptoLocker, locks the computer, displays a window with a countdown, and demands a ransom to grant access again.
According to the NCA, people are asked to pay 1 Bitcoin (?200 – ?300) to regain access to their files.
The NCA is advising people to make sure security software is installed and updated, by running scans and checking that computer operating systems and applications are up to date….
Get information here on how to keep your computer safe and follow the advice as soon as possible. Here is part of it:
This page has been created to help you protect your computer, your finances, your identity and your family against a new global online threat. The threat is targeted at random private individuals and small businesses, so it is critical that you read this page and apply our advice immediately if you have a computer running any version of the Windows operating system ? including Windows running as a virtual machine on an Apple Mac, any server running Windows and Windows embedded. This is not a case of isolated attacks, as over 15,000 computers in the UK alone are thought to have been already affected.
What you need to do NOW…
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Go to one of the links to internet security software companies at the bottom of this page to download a free tool to scan for Gameover Zeus and CryptoLocker, and remove them from your computer. We advise you do this even if you haven?t had a communication from your ISP.
Do not open attachments in emails unless you are 100% certain that they are authentic. Click for more info.
Make sure your internet security software is up-to-date and switched on at all times. Click for more info.
Make sure your Windows operating system has the latest Microsoft updates applied. These normally include the latest security precautions. Click for more info.
Make sure your software programs have the latest manufacturers? updates applied. These normally include the latest security precautions. Click for more info.
Make sure all of your files including documents, photos music and bookmarks are backed up and readily available in case you are no longer able to access them on your computer. Click for more info.
Never store passwords on your computer in case they are accessed by Gameover Zeus or another aggressive malware program. Click for more info.
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This warning is not intended to cause you panic but we cannot over-stress the importance of taking these steps immediately. This is because the UK?s National Crime Agency (NCA) has taken temporary control of the communications used to connect with infected computers, but expects only a very limited window of opportunity to ensure you are protected.
it appears the getsafeonline website doesnt work, so downloading their useful tools might be a bit hard! maybe its a blip, or just affecting me, will try another time.
Turns out the site was overloaded with traffic and took 2 days to sort out. Comforting.
it’s working now.
D, it might have crashed due to volume of traffic, but it’s working fine now.