We’ve heard reports from users in the audio industry that a ransomware attack called Age is circulating and represents a real threat to data security across Mac as well as PC platforms. It’s always difficult to find or share specifics with these kinds of attacks as victims are understandably reluctant to share the fact that they have been affected. The standard advice around good data security practices remains the most effective way to minimise risk of exposure.

What Is Ransomware?

Ransomware is malicious software which denies the user access to their device or data unless an unlock fee is paid. Scareware is the simplest form of attack, it uses intimidation and alarm to scare the user into paying a fee. unpleasant but not as serious as the two forms of genuine ransomware:

Crypto Ransomware

Crypto ransomware is malware which encrypts files on the affected computer and demands payment in exchange for the Key necessary to unencrypt the user’s files. The WannaCry attack of 2017 is a well known example of a Crypto attack.

Locker Ransomware

Rather than encrypting files on a computer, Locker ransomware locks the user out of their machine, denying them access to their files until a payment is made. In spite of being referred to by some as “Age Locker”, Age is Crypto Ransomware.

What Does Age Locker Do?

Age encrypts files and demands payment for decryption. Two files appear on the desktop of infected machines. One of the files is a text file which contains instructions on how to make payment, if payment isn’t received within 24 hours a second, more detailed message is received which explains that the size of the ransom increases the longer it goes unpaid - very nasty.

How To Protect Yourself From Age Locker

Like all malware attacks there are no magic fixes, the standard advice of good data management applies:

Back Up Your Data

The only way to recover encrypted data is to restore it from a backup. Paying the ransom doesn’t guarantee anything, after all they are criminals… If you don’t have a secure backup regime in place with one of your minimum of two backups being stored off site you aren’t secure. Make sure you have access to a backup which pre dates an infection.

Install And Use Up To Date Antivirus Software

Being a Mac user might make you less vulnerable but that is not the same thing as not vulnerable. You need to protect your system no matter what it is. Keep your OS and software up to date.

How Did It Get On My Computer?

The most common distribution methods are through email attachments, exercise caution with attachments and never open suspicious or irrelevant emails. If you use cracked software you are inviting unscrupulous people onto your system. Apart from the moral ramifications of stealing software, in terms of security, cracks are a major vector for malware. Other routes include pop-ups and unscrupulous websites.