Warning: A new and innovative type of ransomware attack you should know about

Warning: A new and innovative type of ransomware attack you should know about

It seems like we’re talking about cyber scams a lot at the moment. Now there’s yet another new trick you need to be aware of.?

Cybercriminals are intelligent. They’re forever coming up with new ways to infiltrate your devices and networks to access your valuable data.

Fortunately, the defense weapons continue to get stronger and stronger to help keep you protected. Some email systems are now especially good at identifying malicious messages and threats.

But if your website has a contact form – and most do – you face a new threat. That’s because cybercriminals are using web forms to spread malware.?

They pose as a potential new customer and ask you to provide them with a quote for your goods or services.?

Once you email your reply to their request, they’ll send you over a special kind of file – known as an ISO file – which they say is relevant to your conversation.

Crucially, this file won’t be attached to the email. They’ll send it via a file-sharing service, such as WeTransfer. This is to help to avoid your email provider’s protection.?

Think about the psychology of what’s happening here. Whoever in your business is managing this conversation thinks they’re talking to a prospective new customer and is much more likely to open the files without thinking.?

The fact the conversation started with a contact form lowers their natural skepticism. They just want the sale!

When you open the file, it will give the cybercriminals remote access to your device. Which can allow them to access your full network. They can then launch a malware or ransomware attack.

The latter is something you want to avoid at all costs. It’s where your data is encrypted so it’s useless to you. And you have to pay a large ransom fee to get it back… with no guarantees the payment will work.

Experts think this form of contact form attack was first tested on large businesses in December 2021 and believe it’s now becoming more popular.?

It’s vital that you and your team check requests sent via your website are genuine. And never, ever open any files emailed over unless you trust the source 100%.?

If we can help keep your business protected or train your team on the big threats to be aware of, please email us [email protected] or call us at 234-380-1277.


Published with permission from Your Tech Updates.

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Bob Kohtz

Recruiter at Career Recruiters LLC

2 年

Do appreciate the heads-up on this, Bob!

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Craig Joseph

Housr President | Global Business Chief Executive | Investor | Cybersecurity & Technology Expert | Team & Culture Change Agent

2 年

Hugely insightful Bob. As people read it I'm sure they'll think how simple the access is to the Cyber Criminal and that they couldn't possibly be exposed - Though as you rightly say, so many Contact Us forms on every website - and how many people want to help by replying and engaging in a quote request.

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Andre Williams

CEO and Co-Founder at Optevo

2 年

Thanks for sharing Bob. That's the kind of information people who aren't aware of really need to hear, so thanks for spreading the word.

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Steve Ferman

I am a 40-year Entrepreneur, a Certified Scaling-up Coach, and a Chief AI Officer. I help companies grow and scale by 10X, using AI to augment and optimize the human workforce to enhance productivity.

2 年

Education and Awareness is key in protecting your enviornment.

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Mike Cameron

Husband/Dad/Nerd ~ Thought Stumbler-Alonger ~ 10th percentile Least Viewed on LinkedIn ~ #ONO

2 年

They are getting clever but I can say in my experience, there are still plenty of people who are dense enough to open an attachment in an email that is all in Chinese and not see a problem with it. And a lot of them are in charge of other people. Thanks for the info Bob!

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