NewstalkZB reporting - "Warning of a global computer attack"

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allan

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#146936 3-Jun-2014 11:32

Customer service staff where I work have been fielding calls all morning from this - http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/auckland/news/nbint/1209441642-warning-of-a-global-computer-attack. I'm assuming it's become the talkback topic of choice this morning.

Having checked the original article at the UK NCA - http://www.nationalcrimeagency.gov.uk/news/news-listings/386-two-week-opportunity-for-uk-to-reduce-threat-from-powerful-computer-attack, I'm somewhat confused. What is the so-called two week window that is being referred to (two week window for/from what?) and what makes this any different to the normal precautions that you would be expecting people to take against malicious software?

freitasm

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#1058439 3-Jun-2014 11:42

That's a completely out of context story. Microsoft, Symantec and others helped the FBI seize part of the infrastructure behind some cryptlockers.

Obviously MSM has no clue and spread panic.

http://us-cert.gov/gameoverzeus

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hairy1

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#1058441 3-Jun-2014 11:44

The Herald is all over it as well:

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11266642

My views (except when I am looking out their windows) are not those of my employer.

hairy1

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#1058442 3-Jun-2014 11:46

Freitasm, it may pay to change your link to us-cert.gov as the org site goes to a dead domain.

/edit. I see you beat me to it.

My views (except when I am looking out their windows) are not those of my employer.

freitasm

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#1058443 3-Jun-2014 11:47

Yes, done that.

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freitasm

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#1058495 3-Jun-2014 13:05

From Slingshot:

Slingshot urges Kiwis to update security software as virus sweeps globe

ISP Slingshot is working with NZ Police and international agencies to proactively defend customers from a serious malware attack that is sweeping the globe.

Called GameOver Zeus, the virus lays dormant until it spots an opportunity to steal personal details such as online banking information and passwords.

Slingshot and CallPlus Chief Technology Officer Adrian Dick said the ISP has been proactively blocking thousands of sites after it was contacted by authorities over the weekend.

“GameOver Zeus is a large, sophisticated and potentially very damaging virus.

“Over the weekend, we have blocked thousands of randomly generated domains, and will update these further as we are advised of new ones by the Police and international authorities.

“We believe the actions of ISPs will hold off problems for a couple of weeks, but it’s a cat and mouse game. The criminals behind the virus will be looking for ways around our actions. The most effective way for people to protect themselves is by using a good-quality anti-virus service.”

Mr Dick says that Slingshot is contacting all customers advising them to ensure that their anti-virus is up-to-date. It’s also offering customers a free trial of the NOD32 security service.

Five security tips:

Use a reputable Anti-Virus software
Run a scan of all your computers. A list of free scanning software is available here: http://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/alerts/TA14-150A
Make sure your software – including your operating system - is all up to date
Use complex passwords that include numbers, capitals, lowercase and special characters
Use different passwords for different systems (if one gets hacked then your other online logins can remain safe)

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DravidDavid

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#1058628 3-Jun-2014 15:52

I don't get it. This is nothing new.

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freitasm

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#1058629 3-Jun-2014 15:53

I think they (whoever) are worried bad people will come back with a even meaner version of those malware now that they party was crashed.

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DravidDavid

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#1058632 3-Jun-2014 16:05

The old one locked you out of your machine, encrypted your files and asked old people who don't know what Internet Explorer is for Bitcoins to possibly/maybe get it all back. How much meaner can you get?
Unless we are talking something that would stop your home automation software from opening your garage door and forcing you to park your classic Chevelle under that deadly oak tree, I fail to imagine anything meaner!

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#1058723 3-Jun-2014 18:00

Oh no - it is second on 3 News tonight too

andrewNZ

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#1058751 3-Jun-2014 18:19

DravidDavid: The old one locked you out of your machine, encrypted your files and asked old people who don't know what Internet Explorer is for Bitcoins to possibly/maybe get it all back. How much meaner can you get?
Unless we are talking something that would stop your home automation software from opening your garage door and forcing you to park your classic Chevelle under that deadly oak tree, I fail to imagine anything meaner!

The Herald story claims the old one:

Checked the victim wasn't Russian, because you don't crap where you eat.
Sat dormant waiting for a way to drain your bank accounts via Internet banking, CC #'s etc.
Crypto-locked and ransomed your data if you weren't a viable target for outright theft.

That is about as nasty as I can imagine.

DravidDavid

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#1058768 3-Jun-2014 18:58

andrewNZ: That is about as nasty as I can imagine.

Exactly what I mean! There will always be a new one around the corner.

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andrewNZ

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#1058809 3-Jun-2014 20:00

DravidDavid:
andrewNZ: That is about as nasty as I can imagine.

Exactly what I mean! There will always be a new one around the corner.

Actually I thought of something nastier. Replace drivers for select hardware then run the system to destruction and possibly start a fire. "Oh you don't want to pay, OK, I'll just burn your house down..."