The applications are sent via email and include two attachments: one which poses as a cover letter and acts as a lure to victims and the other, an Excel file that contains malicious macros. Cybercriminals are now targeting government departments through fake job applications to install ransomware using a new strain of the notorious Petya virus to hold data to sell for money . The applications look real , but attachments that appear to be cover stories and email files contain GoldenEye malware that encrypt the receiver ’s data . HR departments are particularly at risk because managers can not avoid opening emails and attachments from unknown sources . The GoldenEye virus is presently targeting German - based companies , according to security research firm Check Point , with ransoms priced at around 1.3 bitcoins .
Cybercriminals are now targeting government departments through fake job applications to install ransomware using a new strain of the notorious Petya virus to hold data to sell for money . The applications look real , but attachments that appear to be cover stories and email files contain GoldenEye malware that encrypt the receiver ’s data . HR departments are particularly at risk because managers can not avoid opening emails and attachments from unknown sources . The GoldenEye virus is presently targeting German - based companies , according to security research firm Check Point , with ransoms priced at around 1.3 bitcoins .