FireCrypt Ransomware Builder Found in Wild
Researchers have discovered a new ransomware variant that uses “.firecrypt” as its amended extension once encryption has taken place. FireCrypt is compiled using a command line builder software that allows varying inputs and outputs to be determined by the author for a unique hash, as this allows for better disguise by enabling the author to change the icon and executable name. Along with the usual encryption, FireCrypt also connects to the Pakistan Telecom Authority website and begins downloading all of the available content, thus filling the victims hard drive with thousands of junk files.
Los Angeles College Hit with Cyberattack
While many students are preparing to return to classes after their winter break, employees at Los Angeles Valley College are working to determine the severity of a cyberattack. It is still unclear how the systems were breached or to what extent any sensitive information has been access, though officials are working with law enforcement.
Philippine Army Website Vandalized By Hackers
In the past week, the official Philippine Army website was compromised by a hacker going by the alias, Shin0bi H4x0r. The site itself displayed several messages to any visitors, boasting about the weak security and taunting the site admins. Though the site has since been taken offline, it is still undecided how the site was breached.
Experts Doubtful of Russia’s Part in Recent Hacking
With so many recent stories surrounding Russia’s involvement with the recent utility grid breach in Vermont and the implied connection to the hacks that took place during the election, many security researchers are unsure how involved Russia actually is. Flaws found in the US utility services are not a secret, and officials have been working to resolve them for quite some time. While public outcry over Russia hacking the election has been very pro-America, it stands as a bit hypocritical, as the US is assuredly involved in similar tactics all across the globe.
Malicious Super Mario Run Apps Found on Android
While Super Mario Run was released for iOS in the early part of December, it has yet to hit the official Android app store for sale. Due to the release gap, many cybercriminals have been cashing in by creating at least 9,000 known malicious versions of the app and distributing them through third-party app stores. Users are warned to avoid downloading any Super Mario Run-related apps until the official version has been released by Nintendo on the Google Play Store.
It is getting harder and harder to stay safe online now. Without updates like these you could get caught out so easily and fall prey to a malicious attack.
Thank you for you continual information updates and for the great software you maintain.
Before I started using Web Root I thought i had a good security system. I was wrong and got hit by one of the first Ransomware viruses. I just bought a new computer instead of paying anyone anything. Thankfully six months of WR came with my new machine and I have been here since! Kudos to the developers and all who work so hard to keep us safe!
Thanks for your fantastic feedback, Dan!
I love to share comments like these with the rest of the Team 🙂
Warm Regards,
Josh P.
Social Media Coordinator
I recently renewed my Webroot Subscription, but have no icon on my computer to run a scan?
Jacqulyn, you should be able to search in your start menu for “Webroot” and open it by clicking on it from there.
Once SecureAnywhere opens, please follow these instructions to add a shortcut icon to your Desktop:
1. Click “Advanced Settings.”
2. Click “Install Settings.”
3. Check the box labeled “Show a shortcut on the desktop.”
4. Click “Save.” If you are finished making changes, close the Settings window.
You can always reach out to our Technical Support Team if you need any further assistance. They can even remotely control your Computer to resolve this. Did I mention it’s free of charge as well? 🙂
Support Number: 1-866-612-4227 M-F 7am−6pm MT
Send us a Support Ticket: https://detail.webrootanywhere.com/servicewelcome.asp
Warm Regards,
Josh P.
Social Media Coordinator
Hi, I received an email from Auspost but I have never given them my email address. I rang Auspost and they said that there has been a lot of scams of late. I did click on the email and ended up with a compressed file siting in my downloads. I thought that I had deleted it but after turning the computer back on it was still sitting there. I have now managed to delete it and I have deleted it from the recyle bin. I scanned my computer twice with Webroot and both times it has come back stating that everything is fine. It did not pick up the file sitting in the downloads or the recycle bin.
Is there anyone that could help me please? I’m in Australia and outside of MT hours. It is 1:47 pm here. I was told to give Webroot support a ring and that someone would help me.
Hello Joy,
Please reach out to our Support Team at your earliest convenience for additional assistance:
Support Number: Call +44 (0) 870 141 7070 M-F 9.00−17.30 GMT
Send us a Support Ticket: https://detail.webrootanywhere.com/servicewelcome.asp
Warm Regards,
Josh P.
Social Media Coordinator