Type: CryptoLocker Ransomware

Description: CryptoLocker is a new variant of ransomware that restricts access to infected computers and demands the victim provide a payment to the attackers in order to decrypt and recover their files. CryptoLocker appears to have been spreading through fake emails designed to mimic the look of legitimate businesses and through phony FedEx and UPS tracking notices. The malware has the ability to find and encrypt files located within shared network drives, USB drives, external hard drives, network file shares and even some cloud storage drives. If one computer on a network becomes infected, mapped network drives could also become infected.

What the University is Doing: The UMass Lowell Spamcatcher appliance and Intrusion Prevention System are detecting and blocking most malicious emails and links to download ransomeware.

Recommend Action: Do not open click on any links or any attachments contained in a message which you did not expect to receive. Doing so puts your computer, you and the university at risk of infection or data loss. IT recommends that all users delete any suspicious emails immediately.

What to do if your computer is infected: Immediately disconnect the infected system from the wireless or wired network. This may prevent the malware from further encrypting any more files on the network.

Questions: If you have any questions or concerns please call the Help Desk at 978-934-HELP or contact your department’s IT Administrator.