Users beware of ransomware: malicious software that extorts money from users in exchange for freeing the user’s computer or data. One particularly nasty version came bundled with a software download called uFast Download Manager. The malware blocks Internet access for users until they pay the publisher a fee via SMS and is another demonstration of why Internet Security and Acceptable Use policies need to be considered for small businesses

Users who download the software are immediately infected, seeing a message posted in Russian demanding a ransom under the guise of activating the uFast Download Manager application.

To keep your computer environment safe, always be wary of downloading suspicious free software on the Internet. One way to deal with this is to ensure you have the correct Internet Security and Acceptable Use policy(s) in place. If you need help or are unsure, please contact us first so we can help!