Beware of the rotten virus
The following article was published in Chamberlink, the magazine of the Great Manchester Chamber of Commerce, April 2006. The text has been edited for use on this website.
Birmingham IT service and support provider, Icomm Technologies, is warning SMEs of a new security threat called the ‘gangrene’ virus.
The virus, named after its ability to ‘rot’ internal systems, is part of a disturbing, but growing trend of criminality involving organised gangs who steal sensitive data in exchange for cash.
The ‘gangrene’ viruses spread in small numbers to avoid detection and are distributed through dubious websites. Crucially, each contains a ‘payload’, a destructive element that allows gangs to download confidential data or extort money by threatening denial of service attacks.
Security Breach Upsurge
And, with IT insiders reporting a recent upsurge of data security breaches with increasing sophistication, Icomm is encouraging local SME’s to be vigilant.
Icomm’s Ian Callen’s said: “Hackers intent on infiltrating your system for whatever reason, will use all manner of methods to succeed. However, firms who take a proactive approach can substantially decrease the chances of falling prey to such attacks.”
2006.04
