14 DAY TRIAL // Security incident response management company Mandiant became famous earlier this year after publishing an extensive report on the cyber espionage operations launched by the Chinese military. In fact, the firm has become so well known that even cybercriminals have started abusing its name in their malicious operations.
According to an advisory published by Mandiant last week, the company’s name now appears in a ransomware lock screen.
“According to the reports we have received, users of infected devices experience a locked screen with a Mandiant logo and references to Interpol, the FBI and the ‘U.S.A. Cyber Crime Center.’ Infected users are presented with a message accusing them of breaking several laws, and indicating that their computer has been locked pending payment of a ‘fine’,” the company warns.
So far, there aren’t any additional details regarding this ransomware campaign, but if you do fall victim to such an attack and Mandiant’s name shows up, you should know that the company doesn’t have anything to do with it.
Remember that you should never pay the so-called fine, no matter how credible the threat looks. Instead, use an antivirus program to clean up your device.