Muskegon Community College Malware Attack
A malware attack caused a week-long shutdown of some computer systems at Muskegon Community College. Last week a malware attack stopped all the networked computer where students database was saved.
The attack was so strong that most of the students couldn’t use e-portal of the college via their accounts. At present, college is maintaining a physical decorum and other online-based services of the college are temporarily stopped.
Officials are saying that no personal information is stolen, but the unknown malware has impacted email, the student portal, wireless service and the other electronic online systems.
There were no further infections, but approximately 45 computer systems were infected. Though each service was tested before use, neither college officials nor the college IT department could say anything about the propagation of attack.
However, at present, officials are working on a replacement strategy for the infected 45 PC's.
On Nov. 26, MCC President Dale Nesbary said, “From last week we were working on getting our systems back to online again. We are now back and rerunning everything with complete security.”
He further added, “We spent the last week completely on testing systems, cleaning systems and brought the things back up. IT team was working day and night here through the entire holiday week as a result: Email, the MyMCC Portal, Self Service, the MCC Wireless now are all up again in the better state.”
The unknown malware is said to be EMOTET and officials has strongly asserted that no amount was spent to combat the attack. In addition to this, no talks were done with the cyber attackers and hackers. The official IT team was capable enough who brought the system back to online without spending money.
Nesbary said, "we did our best and ensure you all that no data was compromised and systems are now well protected."
Below are few tweets from students and the officials of Muskegon Community College:
Nowadays, malware attacks are becoming a day to day activity. Whereas following them is also getting tough. However, here we would recommend all to use a robust antimalware tool like Malware Crusher, especially in the Windows-based computer systems. Below are some tips and tricks that you must follow on a regular basis.
Tips to Prevent virus and malware from Infecting Your System:
- Enable your popup blocker: Pop-ups and ads on the websites are the most adoptable tactic used by cybercriminals or developers with the core intention to spread malicious programs.
So, avoid clicking uncertain sites, software offers, pop-ups etc. and Install a powerful ad- blocker for Chrome, Mozilla, and IE
- Keep your Windows Updated: To avoid such infections, we recommend that you should always keep your system updated through automatic windows update.By doing this you can keep your device free from virus.According to the survey, outdated/older versions of Windows operating system are an easy target.
- Third-party installation: Try to avoid freeware download websites as they usually install bundled of software with any installer or stub file.
- Regular Backup: Regular and periodical backup helps you to keep your data safe in case the system is infected by any kind of virus or any other infection.Thus always backup important files regularly on a cloud drive or an external hard drive.
- Always have an Anti-Virus: Precaution is better than cure. We recommend that you install an antivirus like ITL Total Security or a good Malware Removal Tool like Download Virus RemovalTool
