There is a relatively new type of virus called ransomware which as it name implies ask for a ransom after performing a malicious action, which is often to encrypt every file it can access from your account (e.g. the network drives). You typically get infected executing an email attachment, or an infected encrypted file.

If you want to read about this phenomenon, Google ‘ransomware’ and ‘South Carolina’, ‘MedStar’, etc. We’ve had our own cases in the College, though fortunately nothing so dramatic.

What do to prevent an infection?

• never run an executable from an email attachment
• install Windows updates
• check that the anti-virus is running with a recent update
• do not respond or follow links from untrusthworthy sources. All memos from the College have an official Dawson signature.

What to do if you’re infected?

• Generally you will know you’re infected with a flahsy message displayed or played on your screen
• Immediately disconnect your computer from the network and call the helpdesk at 4357 (HELP)

Quiz

Ready to test your knowledge about ransomware? Try this quiz.