News
EUROMOVERS International movers takes action to combat ransomware attacks
October 2016 by Thomas Juchum, Managing Director, EUROMOVERS
EUROMOVERS
International, the global network of international moving companies, has issued
advice to its members following a sharp increase in ransomware attacks across
Europe.
Ransomware is a malware program used by criminals to extort money from computer
users, often resulting in valuable data being progressively removed until a ransom
is paid. Users are cleverly duped into clicking on an infected pop-up advertisement,
often from a bogus antivirus supplier, or by opening an infected zip file or website
link.
EUROMOVERS’ General Manager, Thomas Juchum said, “All businesses,
however large or small, are vulnerable to this relatively new cyber threat and with
over 100 members across 30 countries, we want to make sure everything possible is
being done to prevent these potentially devastating attacks. Our business is
international removals and our clients need to know they can rely on our systems for
the security of their shipments. That is why we are taking this new threat so
seriously.
EUROMOVERS has formed a certified information security (IS) forum consisting of IS
managers from member companies to advise the group on cyber security matters.
Among the recommendations, members have been urged to make sure their Windows
operating system is kept up to date and that no software updates have been missed.
The forum also recommends the installation of protection products such as
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, for malware search and destroy and Malwarebytes
Anti-Exploit Premium, for prevention against malware infection.
Frequent changes of passwords containing at least eight digits in both upper and
lower case and the use of the two-time-authentication method using login and
password, plus an additional security element via text messaging for Internet
accounts are also recommended.
The forum stresses to members the importance of keeping back-ups using external hard
drives and the need to make sure they are disconnected immediately after use to
avoid a possible virus attack. Regular testing of back-up systems is of course
essential.
Perhaps most importantly, staff at EUROMOVERS member companies have been made aware
of the existence of ransomware, the threat it poses to the business, and the need to
consult their supervisor if they are unsure about the validity of a file or website
they are about to open.
The EUROMOVERS IS forum will be continually monitoring the situation regarding
ransomware and other cyber threats to ensure member companies and their customers
are protected.
