Fifteen days back the National Crime Agency (NCA) UK sent out a warning to all Brits urging them to prepare themselves for one of the worst cyber-attacks in country’s history as GOZeus and Cryptolocker perpetrators find ways to get their infrastructure up and running.
NCA sent out the warning on June 2 after an international co-ordinated effort saw the takedown of a huge chunk of GOZeus and Cryptolocker infrastructure. NCA warned at the time that because of the weakening of the infrastructure used by the malware operators, individuals and businesses in the UK have a two week window to scan and clean their systems of any infections.
“Action taken by the NCA to combat the threat will give the UK public a unique, two-week opportunity to rid and safeguard themselves from two distinct but associated forms of malware known as GOZeuS and CryptoLocker,” NCA had said in a statement at the time.
NCA again issued a warning yesterday that there are just a few hours left before the cyber-attacks may resume.
“By updating security software, running system scans to detect and clear infections, and checking that computer operating systems are up to date, individuals and businesses can take advantage of the criminal network’s relative weakness”, NCA warned in a prior update on June 13.
“The NCA strongly recommends taking these steps as soon as possible before midnight on Tuesday 17 June”
We are not sure as to why NCA has been rigid about the two-week window, but whatever may be the case that window expired yesterday. So, if you still haven’t done anything, here’s what you can do to defend yourself.
annnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnd nothing happened. Sorry to disappoint.