Skip to main content

New ransomware 'Locky' costs businesses hundreds

What is Locky, and what does it do?

Locky is the latest addition to the ransomware library. It is usually downloaded through an email attachment as a word document which, when opened, looks like it is still encrypted. It then informs you to 'Turn on macros' to view the document without encryption. This is a ruse, so do not enable macros!

The macros in this document are nasty little blighters, and turning them on sets off a chain reaction which spreads through your PC, network, and anything else that's connected through your machine - including the Cloud.

Locky encrypts all your files, photographs, and programs, and then sends you a bill for the amount it will cost to unlock them in the form of a slightly sarcastic message. Those behind Locky usually want paying in BitCoin, and seem to be asking for anywhere between £140 to £280. However, criminals have demanded larger amounts than this.

Can I just pay up?

Technically, yes. You can buy the BitCoin and send over the funds and hope the cybercriminals are true to their word. But there is absolutely nothing stopping them from demanding more money, or not providing the decryption key and just disappearing with your funds. 

It's a fairly risky move when you consider that you could have handed them the contents of your computer and a big cheque. There's also no guarantee that your computer will be clean of viruses or malicious software afterwards.

How can I prevent this from happening?

Phishing emails are still a huge cause of these infections. You should never click any attachments from an email when you don't know and trust the sender. Check out our guide to spotting them here.

Good quality anti-virus software is essential, as is a strong web and email filter. These need to be updated regularly, so that your systems are always protected against the latest forms of ransomware.

The most important precaution you can take is to always back up your systems, so that if you are infected you can always go back to the last restore point. Without a backup, there is no way for anyone other than the criminals to decrypt your files.

I've been infected, what should I do?

We do not advise you to pay the ransom as there is no guarantee that you will receive the decryption key. Please feel free to give us a call on 0191 482 0444 to discuss how we might be able to help.


The Transcendit Way

Transcendit understand that when you choose to work with us, whether we're taking care of your IT, app or web development, you're trusting us with part of your business. So whether we're looking after your computers, phone systems or servers we always do things 'the Transcendit way'.

The whole of our team adhere to the same values, beliefs and policies - the principles that were written when Transcendit first formed in 2000. Whether you come to us for cloud services or recovery backup you can be confident that you'll always receive the same excellent service.

The Transcendit way outlines how we do business; following the same straightforward principles with every client and customer, regardless of how big or small they may be.

That means we get to know you and your business. We offer you a friendly, professional and efficient service, and we'll always be honest with you.
We understand that not everybody speaks fluent IT, so we try to explain things in a way that is simple and clear. We always spend as much time as is necessary explaining things to you.
If you need to talk to us about something, no matter how insignificant, we are only ever a phone call away – and we’re never too busy to make you a cup of tea and have a sit down with you in person.
We understand how frustrating it can be when things are late. When we schedule an appointment with you, we are there when you’re expecting us. If something prevents us from getting there, we always call you in advance to let you know.
Sometimes things can go wrong, but we never lie to you or try to cover something up. If things go askew we tell you what’s happened and how we plan to prevent it affecting your business.
We want you to continuously benefit from working with us. We regularly discuss your business and make suggestions for improving systems and processes wherever we can – but we never try to push you into a purchase.
When we quote a fixed price, that's always the amount we charge – you won’t find any nasty surprises on a bill from us. If you are paying by time and materials, we inform you if our approximations could change.
We understand the importance of privacy for your business and your customers. We respect the confidentiality of your data, and we will never pass on your information to third parties.
We appreciate it when you take the time to give us feedback. A system called CustomerSure records our client's responses, so you can trust that our reviews are from real people.
Find out what they're saying here.
The lads are absolutely fantastic and we can’t do without them, everyone I’ve dealt with has always been so patient, lovely and never patronising with me and I’m probably hard work. I would be lost without you David Wright

Based on 12075 reviews our customers rate us 9.8/10. Reviews and ratings by Customersure. 09-October-2024

Transcendit are proud sponsors of CHUF, the Children's Heart Unit Fund.

Transcendit is a Living Wage employer
Transcendit is a Microsoft Gold certified partner
VMWARE partner
Vipre partner
IPCortex partner
WithSecure partner
DELL partner
Barracuda partner
Veeam partner
N-Able partner