I am writing this email to draw your immediate attention to a few important security risks which we are facing today. Please read this email in its entirety as understanding potential threats and how to prevent them is extremely important. Without YOUR help, it would be very difficult to overcome these current threats. As I mentioned in our previous security seminars, as an employee you have an important role in securing our network.
Cyber-attacks:
As a Japanese owned American company, TMA faces significantly elevated threats as compared with most companies in the United States. Latest reports by several private and government security organizations show there is a significant rise in security breaches of US companies and, the companies which have close ties with the US. Most recent attacks have been linked to countries like Russia, China, North Korea and Syria. According to the security experts, some of these attacks were state-sponsored but, the majority were by individuals. Most attacks were carried out for the purpose of stealing intellectual property from companies and, others by thrill seekers who relish the attention they get by causing disruption. Also due to our well-known name, “Toshiba”, we are a constant target for hackers.
Ransomware:
In July, the FBI put out a warning about ransomware which is a form of malware (or malicious software) on the rise. Since the FBI’s report, Ransomware has become an epidemic. Most ransomware either locks the interface or encrypts files on a computer or network, sends users a ransom message and ideally, releases the interface or decrypts the data after the ransom is paid. Every day more businesses, consumers, government and other organizations are finding their critical data held hostage and collectively paying millions of dollars to get it back.
Ransomware can encrypt any network drives mapped to your computer, for example your “H” drive. Also, it can encrypt any external storage media such as USB hard drives or thumb drives. Due to this reason, in the coming days we will take measures to remove mapped drives from your computer. Instead of mapped drives, we will assist you with setting up shortcuts on your desktop for most frequently used folders on the network.
How to prevent attacks
Having understanding how to prevent attacks is important for our success. Thanks to all of your efforts, we have not been a victim of a cyber-attack in the last 15 years. Following are important measures you can take in order to prevent cyber-attacks and software viruses in general.
1. Do not open suspicious email attachments.
2. Do not click on links in suspicions emails.
3. Do not disable antivirus software on your computer (Sophos).
4. Do not visit non-business related websites.
5. Do not install unapproved software.
6. Do not use any external media (USB drives, CDs etc.) without scanning for viruses.
7. Do not allow any unauthorized users including your family members, to use your company issued devices (laptop, tablets, smart phones etc.).
8. Do not share your VPN or network credentials with others.
9. Backup your data to your user folder on the network (TMA-FILESERVER2). We do not backup your computer automatically. Therefore backing up your data is your responsibility. If you need any assistance in doing this, please create a helpdesk ticket and we will assist you.
Thank you!
Hemantha Wansekera
General Manager
Information Technology Division
Toshiba Machine Company America
Direct Phone: (847) 709-7005
Direct Fax: (847) 709-7055
Cell Phone: (847) 867-7115