Cybersecurity is an ongoing concern for post-secondary institutions, including for OCAD University’s faculty, staff and students. With the increase in unrest across the globe, danger from malicious actors has only amplified.
Ransomware attacks are a cybersecurity threat that has intensified this year, with a 93 per cent increase in attacks carried out in the first half of 2021 compared to the same period in 2020. Read on to find out how to protect yourself and the OCAD U community from ransomware attacks.
What is ransomware?
Ransomware is a type of malware that denies a user's access to a system or data until a sum of money is paid. During a ransomware attack, cybercriminals use malicious software to encrypt, steal or delete your data, then demand a ransom payment to restore it or not disclose it publicly.
Who can ransomware impact?
Instances of ransomware can vary in scope from an isolated case limited to a single user and device to a widespread attack that impacts many users or critical services if it is not contained efficiently and effectively. OCAD U has detected isolated cases of ransomware in the past and has made targeted investments to better align with best practices for early detection and containment that mitigate risk of a large-scale attack.
How can folks at OCAD U protect themselves against ransomware?
No one strategy for cybersecurity is completely foolproof to protect you from a ransomware attack or other malicious threats. It is critically important to be vigilant about recognizing phishing emails, not opening suspicious links or attachments, applying security updates immediately that fix critical vulnerabilities and ensuring all your devices have endpoint protection installed and your data is backed up. Additional details can be found in IT Services’ article, Cyber Security & Privacy.
If you suspect you have been the victim of a ransomware attack:
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Immediately disconnect your device from the internet
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Contact ithelp@ocadu.ca and/or itsecurity@ocadu.ca from a different device. They will be able to help!
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Do not pay the ransom. Even if you do submit payment, there is no guarantee you will regain access to your data.