Ransomware is a form of malware (a virus) that encrypts files, or denies the user the ability to access their device, or both. There are many forms of ransomware, but they all lead to a demand for payment of a ransom for access to be allowed.
Attacks typically come in the form of phishing emails, downloading free software, and remote access scams (someone being provided access to another person’s device and installing ransomware whilst in control). Once the ransomware has been executed, such as by clicking on links or attachments, the criminals have largely automated their whole process. Pop-ups or other screen messaging will alert the user to “a virus” or “encryption” or “computer being locked”. A contact point will be provided, typically with a short timeframe to respond to the ransom demand.
There are two ways to detect ransomware:
There are hundreds of ransomware types, but unfortunately most cannot be decrypted. Ransomware encrypts and the criminals using it have the tools to decrypt. Before you think about paying, you may want to try the following:
Identity Care Australia & New Zealand Ltd (IDCARE) provides identity and cyber security incident response services (the Services) in accordance with the following disclaimer of service:
IDCARE is Australia and New Zealand’s national identity and cyber incident community support service. We are a not-for-profit charity.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this alert, IDCARE disclaims any liability to any person in respect to any actions performed or not performed as a result of the contents of the the Services or any accompanying data provided. Wider dissemination may be permitted by authority in writing from IDCARE’s Managing Director. If you would like to provide feedback please use our Feedback Form.
Service providers are organisation that transact with your identity information.
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Debt collectors work to collect debts on the behalf of business and government.
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QLD: 07 3555 5900
ACT & NSW: 02 8999 3356
VIC: 03 7018 2366
NT, SA & WA : 08 7078 7741
Mon - Fri: 10am - 7pm NZST
AKL: 09 884 4440
IDCARE has access to the Department of Social Services’ Free Interpreting Service, delivered by the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National). Access to the Free Interpreting Service is provided to assist you to communicate with non-English speaking people who hold a Medicare card. Please note that the service does not extend to New Zealand citizens or residents who do not hold an Australian Medicare card, or to tourists, overseas students or people on temporary work visas.
New Zealand Relay provides the following services to help Deaf, hearing impaired, speech impaired, Deafblind and standard phone users communicate with their peers.
A TTY user connects to New Zealand Relay via a toll-free number and types their conversation to a Relay Assistant (RA) who then reads out the typed message to a standard phone user (hearing person).
The RA relays the hearing person's spoken words by typing them back to the Textphone (TTY) User.
The National Relay Service (NRS) is a government initiative that allows people who are deaf, hard of hearing and/or have a speech impairment to make and receive phone calls.
The NRS is available 24 hours a day, every day and relays more than a million calls each year throughout Australia.
Ask our Case managers for more information on how this service will help you.
IDCARE as a registered charity does not ask individuals to donate or pay for our front line services. We are not a charity that can receive tax deductible donations.
We rely on organisations that care enough about you to care about us to keep our charitable service going. Proudly these organisations are displayed above and on our Subscriber Organisations page. If you are asked for payment you are encouraged to report this to IDCARE via our Report Phishing page.
