Trojan malware ransom »Locky«

The trojan malware ransom »Locky« currently takes worldwide a number of computers and virtual networks out of action.

To this effect Elanders Germany set the highest level of IT security to ensure trojan »Locky« will not infiltrate our network.

Unfortunately, this security measure may result in e-mail communication delays.

Should there be any e-mails, send from you to Elanders, blocked, being rejected from our mail server or you do not receive feedback in the usual timeframe, please get in touch with your contact person at Elanders.

What damage could be caused by »Locky«?

Files stored on computers infected by the malware will be encrypted and therefore rendered unusable. The same applies for all devices connected to the infected computer, such as hard drives, server or cloud storage.

A message appears after the file data has been encrypted with the notice that an activation code can be purchased. The payment can be made in Bitcoins, an anonymized online currency. Unfortunately, in most cases after the payment was made no release code has been received. The latest virus scanners are not 100 percent effective due to the fact that constantly new variations of the trojan being released. If your network becomes infected by »Locky«, currently it will be very difficult to prevent the encryption of the entire data stock within your network.

The malware spreads like wildfire across Germany, with up to 5,000 infected computers per hour. Thus several big networks in hospitals, companies, industrial facilities and government authorities across Germany has been paralyzed.