Be on the lookout for suspicious emails
If you receive an unexpected email that looks unusual, DO NOT OPEN IT. Instead, delete it immediately and report it to the COTR IT Help Desk studenthelp@cotr.bc.ca.
Many organizations around the world—including Britain’s National Health Service—have been affected by a massive, global ransomware attack. While College of the Rockies currently has not seen any evidence of this attack on our networks, we would like all faculty, staff and students to be extra vigilant to ensure our systems remain secure.
Some of the emails have had subject lines such as Copy_[with Random Numbers], Document_[with Random Numbers], Scan_[with Random Numbers], File_[with Random Numbers], and PDF_[with Random Numbers]. This is not an exhaustive list. Please be extra cautious and do not open any emails that seem suspicious or unfamiliar no matter what the subject line is.
If in any doubt at all, please don’t hesitate to call the Help Desk at ext 3333 from any college phone
What is ransomware?
Ransomware is a type of malicious software cyber-criminals use to extort money and/or information.
Ransomware attacks most commonly occur through email (a “phishing” email) where the attacker sends an infected file or link. Clicking on the file or link activates malicious software that encrypts data on your hard drive. It will also attempt to encrypt data on any network folder you are connected to at the time of infection. Once your files are encrypted, a screen or web page will show up containing instructions on how to pay the cyber-criminal to decrypt your data.