tuesday, June 3, 2014
MEtrO LiFE: CharLizE thErOn gOEs intO thE wEst
Travel Athens on the rise »p18
»p13
Two-week window to protect your computer from online threat
Public warned of cyber attack picture: andres poveda
PEOPLE are being advised to protect their computers against two powerful viruses by updating their operating system and anti-virus software – after US authorities disrupted a major international hacking network. The viruses are known as GOZeuS and CryptoLocker. The first hides in email attachments, which, when opened, give computer access to the hackers, who then use the software to scan devices for information such as bank data. CryptoLocker is a secondary threat that activates if no valuable data is found, locking the computer and demanding a ransom to grant access again. Lamar Bailey, director of security research and development at software company Tripwire, said: ‘The design of these malware packages makes it nearly impossible to completely wipe out, but a co-ordinated attack can cause damage. ‘Countries are rolling out a massive consumer education programme to help clean up infected systems and reduce the number of vulnerable systems available for infection. The plan is to attack the parasite hard for two weeks while removing as many viable hosts as possible at the same time. This will not eliminate the malware but could make it harder for the operators to use.’ The UK’s National Crime Agency said people probably had ‘two weeks’ before the criminals would get their botnet – a network of infected computers – functioning again.
by Martyn Landi
NCA deputy director Andy Archibald, said: ‘Nobody wants their personal financial details, business information or photographs of loved ones to be stolen or held to ransom by criminals. ‘By making use of this two-week window, huge numbers of people can stop that from happening to them. ‘Whether you find online security complicated or confusing, or simply haven’t thought about keeping your computers safe for a while, now is the time to take action,’ he added. ‘Our message is simple: update your operating system and make this a regular occurrence, update your security software and use it and think twice before clicking on links or attachments in unsolicited emails.’ Yesterday, the US Justice Department announced charges against a Russian man they believe to be masterminding the conspiracy. A 14-count indictment accused Evgeniy Mikhaylovich Bogachev of writing computer code used to compromise banking systems and assist others in stealing banking credentials, according to court documents. The FBI described him as one of the most active cyber criminals in the world. He is still at large. The Justice Department said hackers had already implanted viruses on hundreds of thousands of computers globally, seized customer bank information and stolen more than $100m.
‘nobody wants their data stolen’
«
massive marathon: the Flora Women’s mini marathon was a huge success yet again with an estimated 40,000 cramming their way on to Dublin’s streets yesterday to complete the annual 10km race page 4
Keep Dublin tidy – Please recycle this Metro Herald when you are finished with it