Ransomware attack
The RCMP are warning the public and businesses against a ransomware attack that has hit a local company.
On Dec. 12 a local company complained to the Mounties that ransomware – a computer malware that installs covertly on a victim's computer, executes a crypto virology attack that adversely affects it, and demands ransom payment to decrypt it or not publish it – had been found on their computers.
According to a 2014 Internet Security report by Symantec, the attacks often stem from an infected email attachment or app that seizes control of the computer.
The RCMP Tech Crimes Unit in Alberta advise the public to never open a file that is attached to an email from an unknown or untrusted source. The police say that spam emails may display as being from someone you know but have a subject line that seems unusual or solicitous in nature. Police recommend to not open any emails that seem out of character.
Mounties also want the public to know that extensions for Internet browsers are often third party or open-source scripts and may not have been extensively checked for malicious content. The RCMP want the public to remain vigilant when choosing what extensions to install.
Cyber security experts suggest keeping security software updated at all times. They recommend backing up computers regularly to a separate, detached drive to protect the computer from cyber attacks.
Furnace theft
Sometime between Dec. 2 and Dec. 5 a furnace was stolen from a home currently under construction in the Jensen Lakes area.
A grey Goodman house furnace was taken. It is valued at $2,500. There were no signs of forced entry and nothing else appeared to be missing from the home.
Anyone with information about these or any other crimes is asked to contact St. Albert RCMP at 780-458-7700 Anonymous tips can be provided to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
