The ‘Akira’ ransomware primarily targets computer systems running on Windows and Linux. CERT-In cently issued an advisory reporting its emergence.
The Gurgaon police have alerted internet users of a new ransomware named ‘Akira’, which primarily targets computer systems running on Windows and Linux. The police said this virus spreads and accesses Windows and Linux-based computers and laptops through the internet and is found to be taking users’ personal data, and cybercriminals demand a ransom.
The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) recently issued an advisory reporting the emergence of the ‘Akira’ ransomware.
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Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) Siddhant Jain said the ‘Akira’ ransomware is a programme that blocks the data of its victim and the entire system to prevent the user from using it. After taking possession of files/data of the victim computer, it gives them a new extension ‘.Akira’. Cybercriminals demand ransom and the data of those users who do not pay it are made public on the dark web, the police said.
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The Gurgaon police asked the public to take the following precautions while using the internet.
- While downloading a file from email, be careful and make sure the file you have downloaded is the correct file. If any other file is downloaded, delete it from the computer without opening it.
- Keep an updated backup of your important files/data so that if cyber thugs encrypt data and take it from you, you can take your data/files backup from your backup.
- Always install an active antivirus on your computer/laptop, so the antivirus can protect it when there is a virus attack on the computer system.
- Keep the operating system and application software updated so that cybercriminals cannot infiltrate the computer by resorting to loopholes.
- Do not update your system or applications through unauthorised means and follow multilateral authentication policies for strong passwords.
- Do not click on any pop-up, activate two-step authentication and scan the system by running antivirus.
- Be careful while using the internet, follow the protocols made for security, and report virus attacks to the authority.
- Do not pay the amount/ransom demanded by the thugs after the virus attack.
- While downloading any application/software/any other file (video/audio etc.), make sure that the extension of the file you download is not related to any virus or any unknown extension.
- Tools like AnyDesk, WinRAR and PCHunter allow the ‘Akira’ virus to enter your laptop and other devices, including mobiles, so use these applications cautiously.
First published on: 31-07-2023 at 11:24 IST
