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ShadowGate Malware: Catastrophic Instant Lockdown

Posted: July 1, 2019 to Cybersecurity.

Tags: Cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, Malware, Data Breach

A new set of malware is locking down computers instantly and demanding hundreds of bitcoin to get access to your files and network back. Recent attacks don't appear to be derived from a particular nation but rather a group of hackers called ShadowGate. According to Malwarebytes, an antivirus developer, the attack targets exploits found in outdated versions of the Flash video player. The virus is then injected into a computer when the user visits an infected site by running codes inside a fake javascript file. One site in particular has been compromised: onlinevideoconverter.com.  Researchers are still looking for other compromised sites. The best way to protect yourself from these new ShadowGate threats is to maintain updated software. All of your software.  Software updates usually contain critical security patches and exploit fixes.  Stick to surfing sites you are familiar with, and watch for unusual links or messages, even if those messages are from friends.  Lastly, back up your files to a cloud storage system!  In the event of infection, your files are completely disconnected from your computer under attack. Contact us to talk about more ways to keep your company safe from crippling malware.

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About the Author

Craig Petronella, CEO and Founder of Petronella Technology Group
CEO, Founder & AI Architect, Petronella Technology Group

Craig Petronella founded Petronella Technology Group in 2002 and has spent more than 30 years working at the intersection of cybersecurity, AI, compliance, and digital forensics. He holds the CMMC Registered Practitioner credential (RP-1372) issued by the Cyber AB, is an NC Licensed Digital Forensics Examiner (License #604180-DFE), and completed MIT Professional Education programs in AI, Blockchain, and Cybersecurity. Craig also holds CompTIA Security+, CCNA, and Hyperledger certifications.

He is an Amazon #1 Best-Selling Author of 15+ books on cybersecurity and compliance, host of the Encrypted Ambition podcast (95+ episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon), and a cybersecurity keynote speaker with 200+ engagements at conferences, law firms, and corporate boardrooms. Craig serves as Contributing Editor for Cybersecurity at NC Triangle Attorney at Law Magazine and is a guest lecturer at NCCU School of Law. He has served as a digital forensics expert witness in federal and state court cases involving cybercrime, cryptocurrency fraud, SIM-swap attacks, and data breaches.

Under his leadership, Petronella Technology Group has served 2,500+ clients, maintained a zero-breach record among compliant clients, earned a BBB A+ rating every year since 2003, and been featured as a cybersecurity authority on CBS, ABC, NBC, FOX, and WRAL. The company leverages SOC 2 Type II certified platforms and specializes in AI implementation, managed cybersecurity, CMMC/HIPAA/SOC 2 compliance, and digital forensics for businesses across the United States.

CMMC-RP NC Licensed DFE MIT Certified CompTIA Security+ Expert Witness 15+ Books
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