In an effort further enhance our QCSD's cyber defenses, we want to highlight a common cyber-attack that everyone should be aware of - ransomware.

Ransomware is increasingly being used by hackers to extort money from individuals and organizations. Ransomware is a type of malicious software that takes over your computer and prevents you from accessing files until you pay a ransom.


Here are some simple things you can do to help QCSD avoid a ransomware/malware attack:

Think Before You Click

The most common way ransomware enters networks is through email. Often, scammers will include malicious links or attachments in emails that look harmless. To avoid this trap, please observe the following email best practices:

  • Do not click on links or attachments from senders that you do not recognize. We intentionally block some file extension to avoid common malicious file formats
  • If you can't tell if an email is legitimate or not, please forward the email to an appropriate IT staff member for further review

If Something Seems Wrong, Notify IT

If your computer is infected with ransomware, you will typically be locked out of all programs and a "ransom screen" will appear. In the unfortunate event that you click a link or attachment that you suspect is malware or ransomware, please notify IT immediately.

To contact IT, please call x2030 immediately

Thanks again for helping to keep our network, and our people, safe from these cyber threats.
