For individuals:

• Do not click on links or open attachments in emails sent to you by someone you do not know.
• Do not provide personal information over the phone or online to untrusted sources.
• Install a reputable security software suite on all devices and secure your wireless router.
• Disable file sharing and remote desktop.
• Make sure all your software, including anti-virus software, is up to date on all your devices.

If you become a victim:

• Don’t panic. Do not do anything further on your computer. Contact SiRON Technologies at Helpdesk@siron.tech.
• Report the incident to your local police force.
• Contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
• Consult nomoreransom.org, which was developed by law enforcement and IT security companies globally to help victims retrieve their data.

For businesses:

• Train and educate staff on good security practices, and restrict administrative privileges.
• Do not click on links or open attachments in emails sent to you by someone you do not know.
• Use a reputable security software suite.
• Back up your system/data regularly to a cloud or removable media such as an external hard drive not constantly connected to the server.
• Use application whitelisting to help prevent malicious software and unapproved programs from running.
• Make sure all software, including anti-virus software, is up-to-date on all computers, servers and devices, including mobile phones and tablets.
• Develop a business continuity plan and incident response plan.

If your business is targeted:

• Do not do anything further on your computer. Contact SiRON Technologies at Helpdesk@siron.tech.
• Critical infrastructure, businesses and provincial/ territorial/municipal governments should immediately report the incident to the Canadian Cyber Incident Response Centre (CCIRC).
• Report the incident to your local police force of jurisdiction and inform CCIRC you have done so.
• Contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

The RCMP suggests you do not pay the ransom for several reasons:

• There is no guarantee that your data will be recovered.
• You may be extorted for more money after the original ransom is paid.
• You can make yourself a future target.
• Extortion via ransomware is a criminal offence, and the money you pay will be used to fund criminals and/or criminal organizations and motivate them to further victimize others.
• Even if you have paid the ransom, the RCMP still encourages you to report the incident.