Warning: New Extortion Code Gandcrab Is Attacking Vietnamese Internet Users

Learn about warning: new extortion code gandcrab is attacking vietnamese, who may be affected, and which practical steps users or administrators can take to reduce exposure.

Warning: New Extortion Code Gandcrab Is Attacking Vietnamese Internet Users Overview

Yesterday afternoon (December 11), Bkav issued a warning about a fifth generation variant of GandCrab extortion code that was attacking Vietnamese Internet users on a large scale. According to statistics from Bkav's virus monitoring system, there are 3, 900 computer cases in Vietnam that have been infected with extortion data.

The first generation of GandCrab was discovered in January 2018, so far this line of malicious code has been improved and upgraded increasingly sophisticated over 4 generations.

GandCrab spreads by sending a fake email to the victim. When the victim opens the attached text file containing the virus in the email, the computer will be infected with the malicious code and all user data will be encrypted, unable to be opened.

To decrypt the data files, the victim will have to pay a ransom of about $ 200 to $ 1, 200 via electronic Dash or Bitcoin, depending on the number of encrypted files.

Bkav also makes recommendations for virus prevention for users:

• Install permanent antivirus software for your computer.
• With emails of unknown origin, do not open attachments.
• If you must open it to view the content, you can open the file in a safe quarantine environment Safe Run.

See more:

• Microsoft: 100% of PCs in Vietnam are infected with malware
• Kill viruses effectively with Malwarebytes Premium software
• The list of applications containing malicious code or malicious ads should be removed from the phone

Security note: Threat conditions and vendor guidance can change. Install current updates and verify any advisory with the official vendor before taking action.