Cybersecurity Blog

ALERT – Bad Rabbit ransomware attack – 10/25/17

 

The US Department of Homeland  Security has issued an alert for the Bad Rabbit ransomware strain. It has crippled organizations in Russia and the Ukraine and has been found in the US. It is only a matter of time before it begins appearing here.

What does it do?
  • It encrypts your files and extracts the login credentials for your computer.
How do I know I have been victimized?
  • Your computer will start to run slowly.
  • You are directed to a webpage that gives you 41 hours to pay the ransom to get access to your files or the ransom will go up.
How do you get infected?
  • When visiting a legitimate website, a pop up appears asking you to install Adobe or the Adobe Flash Player.
  • Downloading and installing either of these programs installs the ransomware.
What is IT Services doing to fight this attack?
  • Our anti-virus is up to date.
  • We are actively monitoring systems to detect any abnormal activity on the network.
What can I do to fight this attack?
  • If you are prompted to download Adobe Flash Player or Adobe:
  1. Close the browser tab that contains the prompt.
  2. Open a new browser tab and visit www.adobe.com/ca.
  3. Search the Adobe website for the application and download it from there.
  • If you are a victim, disconnect from the network immediately (pull the network cable or disconnect from WiFi) and contact the IT Service Desk at 403-440-6000.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the IT Service Desk.