Gardai offer advice on Ransomware
- Tue 16 May, 2017
In light of the recent spate of cyber attacks Gardai would like to share the following information in relation to Ransomware and fraud prevention.
What is Ransomware?
Ransomware is a type of computer malware that prevents or limits users from accessing their computer system, either by locking the system’s screen or by locking the users’ files, unless a ransom is paid.
Advice for Members of the Public
If a computer system has been infected with Ransomware members of the public are advised never to pay the ransom. You should contact an IT professional or your IT administrator to assess repair to their equipment, alternatively you can access the website; https://www.nomoreransom.org/
ALL incidents of Ransomware should be reported to An Garda Síochána. As the effected machines are probably no longer usable, a photograph of the screen should be taken, which has sufficient detail that the text is legible.
Information on fraud prevention devised by An Garda Siochana can be viewed here
For more information on this Ransomware “WannaCry” click on the following links
https://www.europol.europa.eu/newsroom/news/wannacry-ransomware-recent-cyber-attack
https://www.interpol.int/Crime-areas/Cybercrime/Online-safety/Ransomware