Cryptolocker is a virus that's been out for more than a year (or two) that encrypts your data and then blackmails you for money to get the encryption key to get your data back. There's a new variant called Locky.A making the rounds. It has been found on campus and has been VERY disruptive.

The new Cryptolocker variants unknowingly encrypt hard drives, connected file server shares, thumb drives, external hard drives, and more. Basically anything someone has access to could become encrypted.

Exposure to this virus can be eliminated by not opening unexpected email attachments. Attachments can be safely previewed in your email programs BEFORE opening. If you get an unexpected email, especially from someone you don't know, and it has a strange attachment - DO NOT OPEN.

We can mitigate damage from this virus by making sure everyone has all their data backed up. Not sure if your data IS backed up? Contact your ATLAS support rep and discuss.