The National Cyber Security Center informed the public about a file infected with malicious software code spreading in Lithuania. The malicious code reaches people via e-mail when they open an e-mail attachment. Telia experts remind you of the most important steps to protect your data from infected files.
"When receiving a suspicious or unexpected email, the most important thing is to always check the subject and the sender of the email. Also, pay attention to whether there are more recipients in the "To" and "CC" fields that you do not know - this often indicates that the letter is not reliable. If the sender of the letter, the links in it or the attached files cause even the slightest suspicion - do not open them under any circumstances", warns Telia's cyber security expert Darius Povilaitis.
After clicking on a link or opening an attached file in a suspicious email, the most important thing is to change the passwords of all accounts as soon as possible. It is also recommended to disconnect the device from the network as soon as possible and remove the harmful software code.
From a letter to a hijacked computer
D. Povilaitis says that "Phishing" type attacks, when fraudulent letters direct recipients to malicious websites or hijack computers using viruses pretending to be attached documents, are one of the oldest and most common. In order to protect yourself from them, it is necessary to constantly remain alert and not give in to emotions.
"Malicious persons very often send letters by e-mail urging them to change their allegedly stolen passwords for electronic banking or social networks. By clicking on the link attached to the email, a person is directed to a website that looks real at first glance, asking them to enter their current login details, which immediately falls into the hands of fraudsters. Fraudsters also send letters addressed to state institutions, ostensibly because of changes related to pensions, with a message file attached to the clipboard, after which the fraudsters gain control of the victim's computer after downloading it," reveals the expert.
In order to protect yourself from such fraud schemes, you should not open any links and documents in emails with grammatical errors and badly formatted messages, and enable two-step authentication for your most important accounts. If possible, the second step should be entrusted to relatives who could prevent unauthorized connections. It is also very important that you regularly install an anti-virus program and update the software on the device you are using.
D. Povilaitis advises not to click on links in promotional e-mails. By moving the mouse cursor or keeping your finger on the link for a longer time, you can check in advance to which page the said link actually leads and whether its address matches the name of the company that sent the message. The same applies to links to social networks.
