Cybercriminals are now targeting HR departments through fake job applications to seed ransomware using a new strain of the notorious Petya strain to hold data to ransom for money. The cybercriminal group behind this latest attack is known as “WannaCry” and has been active since at least May 2017. 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. HR departments are particularly at risk because managers cannot avoid opening emails and attachments from unknown sources. The GoldenEye ransomware is presently targeting German-speaking companies, according to security research firm Check Point, with ransoms priced at around 1.3 bitcoins.
Cybercriminals are now targeting HR departments through fake job applications to seed ransomware using a new strain of the notorious Petya strain to hold data to ransom for money. The cybercriminal group behind this latest attack is known as “WannaCry” and has been active since at least May 2017. HR departments are particularly at risk because managers cannot avoid opening emails and attachments from unknown sources. The GoldenEye ransomware is presently targeting German-speaking companies, according to security research firm Check Point, with ransoms priced at around 1.3 bitcoins.