Awareness on ‘Ransomware’ Threat

Through this information security advisory, we intend to educate you about the prevailing threat of “Ransomware” and the precautions you need to take in order to prevent / mitigate such threats.

What is Ransomware?

Ransomware is a type of malware that cybercriminals use to deny you access to your computer, programs or files until you pay a ransom. It typically propagates like a conventional computer virus /worm, entering system through, for example downloaded malicious file, malicious email attachment, visiting compromised websites or using network / system vulnerability etc.  The variants of ransomware discovered so far can be categorized into the following two categories:

(i)                  Encrypting Ransomware

(ii)                Non-Encrypting Ransomware

(i)              Encrypting Ransomware: Once unleashed, this type of ransonware encrypts all files (typically document files) on the disk as well as accessible network folders.  Documents so encrypted are unusable unless decrypted with a unique decryption key held by the attackers.  The malware author is the only party that knows about needed private decryption key. It is important to mention here that no other tools / software could be used to recover data encrypted by Ransomware. 

The sample message displayed by one such ransomware variant named Cryptolocker 2.0  is mentioned below:

Note:  Even if malware infection is successfully cleaned from the system for such type of ransomware, the files encrypted by it could not be recovered.   Paying the ransom also doesn’t guarantee successful recovery.

(ii)               Non-encrypting Ransomware : This kind of ransomware are usually less dangerous than the “encrypting ransomware”. Once unleashed, it usually locks the screen / functionality of the system by displaying a ransom note. One of such ransomware family variant named Winlock, restricted access to system by  displaying pornographic images and asked victims to send premium rate service SMS (costing US$10) to receive a code that could be used to unlock their machines.

Other variants used messages from law enforcement agency stating that your computer was found to be involved in illegal online activities and if you want to avoid legal proceedings against you then you will have to pay fine. The fine amount usually ranges from 250 - 1000 USD. The screenshot of one such message is mentioned below:

How money is collected from the victims through Ransomware schemes?

The extortion money is collected using different means by different ransomware variants. The common means include telling victims:

· To send SMS or call premium rate numbers in order get “unlock” code.

· To buy certain amount of Drugs from some online drug store.

· To wire transfer money in some bank account or through western union.

· To buy an online payment voucher from online services such as Ukash and PaysafeCard.

· To pay through digital currency like “Bitcoins”.

How can you protect yourself from Ransomware?

· Be careful with email messages - Be wary and skeptical of unsolicited email that demands immediate action even from well-known and reputable companies or government agencies, including well-designed but counterfeit invoices and failed courier delivery notices or claims of illegal activity.

· Don’t click on links or attachments in email from unfamiliar sources or that seem suspicious—call the source to confirm authenticity.

· Make sure that the corporate anti-malware is installed on your computer and it gets updated regularly.

· Do not download pirated / cracked software and key generators from internet as it may contain malware.

· Disable macros / active x controls in your MS office applications and never enable them unless there is reasonable business justification to do this.

· All important documents and files must be backed up on a regular, ongoing basis. Should ransomware render documents unusable in an unfortunate circumstance, the documents can then be recovered from a pre-infection backup copy. Backup media must be kept offline and it is recommended to keep multiple backup sets.

· We need to make sure that the operating system (OS) and other third party applications running on our computer system get patched / updated automatically against known security vulnerabilities 

Manage or Being Managed

“A musician must make music, accountant must make/validate or check accounting entries, painter must paint and a poet must write verses, if he is to be ultimately at peace with himself. What a man can be, he must be. This need we may call self-actualization.  It refers to man’s desire for self-fulfillment, namely to the tendency for him to become actually in what he is potentially: to become everything that one is capable of becoming. . . .” (Extracts from Abraham H. Maslow’s hierarchy of need)

Being a manager or being managed is a contradiction having multiple meanings in opposite directions. Every one of us lies within this contradiction and often neglects the view point of those on other side.

The question arises; whom, we can call a better manager?

Obviously that can manage things properly and can get work done by others effectively etc. A manager is being managed by another manager (whichever name called e.g. Director, GM etc.) and another manager is being managed by some other manager i.e. CEO, Chairman etc. and so on. It means a manager is being managed at the same time except he is an entrepreneur/owner.

Would you belief if I say “a better manager is a person who manages all the people around in upward or downward hierarchy and an ineffective manager is a person who is being managed by his/her peers, boss and subordinates”

Here I want to clear a doubt that managing boss/seniors does not mean that take a control or overreact, but it means managing by art of subordination. And being managed by boss does not lead to ineffectiveness until one cannot handle his/her work/job.

When we talk about management it includes management of work, people and processes/Technology (or man, money and machines). If we take a deep look we would find that actually there is only one factor having pervasive effect on all managements and that is “Managing people”. So managing people ultimately leads to managing work and processes. One can say that an era now came where technology manages people; yes it is a separate topic and a food for thoughts.

It will create a win-win situation for all where top to bottom employees were peers and respectful to others no one is inferior or superior as a human. 

20 foods to keep your uric acid at normal levels

High uric acid levels in the blood stream can lead to a common form of arthritis called gout.

To prevent gout, it is essential to maintain good eating habits and have proper medication. To reduce the uric acid levels in blood, you may need to limit intake of alcohol, sugary foods and reduce purine rich foods like meat, poultry, seafood and pulses. Vegetables such as cauliflower, asparagus, spinach, peas and mushroom also contain a lot of purines. Digestion of purine leads to the formation of uric acid. If uric acid is not eliminated normally which is seen in gout sufferers, it can build up in the blood stream leading to joint inflammation and pain.

Water
Water flushes out toxins including excess uric acid from the body. Have at least 10- 12 glasses of water daily.

Cherries
Cherries have anti - inflammatory substances named anthocyanis that help reduce uric acid levels .It prevents the uric acid from crystallizing and being deposited in the joints. Cherries also neutralize the acids and help prevent inflammation and pain. 200 gms per day is very effective in bringing down uric acid.

Berries 

Berries especially strawberries, and blueberries have anti-inflammatory properties so include them in your diet.

Apple
Malic acid in apple neutralizes uric acid and thus provides relief to the sufferers. You should consume one apple daily after a meal.

Lime
The citric acid found in lime is a solvent of the uric acid .The juice of half a lime squeezed into a glass of water should be taken twice daily.

French bean juice
Another effective home remedy for gout is French beans juice. The healthy juice can be consumed twice everyday for treating gout or high uric acid.

Celery seed
This is a popular home remedy to lower uric acid levels in the body. Have celery seeds extract to get best results.

Apple cider vinegar
Drink apple cider vinegar. Add 3 teaspoons of vinegar to 8 ounces of water and have it 2-3 times every day to treat uric acid.

Pinto beans
A diet rich in folic acid can help lower uric acid naturally. Folic acid rich foods like pinto beans, sunflower seeds and lentils should be included in your diet.

Vegetable juices
Carrot juice in combination with beet and cucumber juice is also very effective .100 ml each of beet juice and cucumber juice should be mixed with 300 ml carrot juice and taken daily.

Low fat dairy products like milk, curd help lower uric acid level.

Foods rich in Vit C
Include vitamin C rich foods & supplements in your daily diet to reduce uric acid in the body. It disintegrates uric acid and forces it out of the body through urine. Good sources of vitamin C are awla, guava, kiwi, sweet lime, oranges, capsicum, lemon, tomato and green leafy veg.

High-fibre foods
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, adding foods high in dietary fibre may help lower uric acid levels in your blood. Dietary fibre may help absorb uric acid in your bloodstream, allowing it to be eliminated from your body through your kidneys. Increase the consumption of dietary soluble fibers such as Isabgol, Oats, Broccoli , apples, oranges, pears, strawberries, blueberries, cucumbers, celery, and carrots , barley .

Bananas are also beneficial in lowering uric acid

Green tea
Consume green tea on a regular basis to control hyperuricemia (high uric acid levels) and lower your risk of developing gout.

Eating grains that are more alkaline such as jowar,bajra are helpful.

Tomatoes, broccoli, and cucumbers are some of the veggies that you need to start including in your meals. Tomatoes are one of the best vegetables that you could have for lowering uric acid. Fresh tomato is alkaline by nature and when it is exposed to the blood stream it increases the alkalinity of the blood.

Dark chocolate, cocoa
"According to health insurance company Bupa, theobromine is an alkaloid that is similar in structure to caffeine. It is found mainly in the cocoa bean and is at the highest levels in dark chocolates. Theobromine also can relax the bronchial muscles of the lungs and according to a small study, was more effective than codeine in relieving coughing. According to Dr. Shmuel Halevi at Acumedico.com, theobromine has the highest concentration of uric acid per gram of food than any other substance", as reported by Livestrong.

Raw vegetables like potatoes or corns are effective to reduce uric acid in the body. Have them raw or steam these vegetables.

Omega 3
Essential fat Omega 3 from flaxseeds, walnuts, fishes like salmon, herring, mackerel, sardines reduces inflammation and swelling.

Courtesy Times of India June 23, 2013