Please be aware of a new ransomware virus, known as Wallet which could be devastating to your business. Wallet will scan your computer and take a copy of all your files, lock them and delete your originals. You will be left with locked copies, which you will not be able to access.

How do I know if I’ve got the Wallet virus?

Often the first you will know is when you are asked to pay a sum of money for a decryption code. If your files have been corrupted, you will see the extension .Wallet at the end of your file name and your computer wallpaper may also change.

What can I do to prevent a ransomware attack?

Be vigilant when opening emails. The virus is most commonly attached to a fake email message. If you receive an email which you are suspicious about our advice is to:

• delete the email straight away – do not open it.
• do not click any links you are suspicious of.
• do not click on the ‘enable editing’ button which appears when you open an email.
• if you think you have opened a suspicious email close down your computer immediately.
• if you are in anyway suspicious of an email, contact the sender directly to verify they have sent it to you, before you open it.

What should I do if I think my computer has been corrupted?

Firstly, don’t panic. Shut down your computer as quickly as you can. If you have a server close it down immediately to stop the virus spreading throughout your network. We advise that you do not pay the ransom requested as there is no guarantee you will get access to your files once you’ve paid. Contact your IT support provider straight away who should have access to a back up of all your files and will advise you on what to do next.

SortmyPC can offer advice on anti virus software, data back up and security issues for all business users. www.sortmypc.co.uk