Cybercriminals Hit German Computers Using New ‘Petya’ Ransomware

In the modern world, life without computers and smartphones is almost unthinkable. However, all modern devices and programs are constantly exposed to malicious viruses spread by various types of malware.

Cybercriminals use different types of malware in order to access important data or steal money. For instance, a new malware named "Petya" has been actively hitting computers in various countries for several weeks and recently arrived in Germany, German authorities warned, cited by German magazine Focus Online.

The attackers use new tactics that have not been seen before. Usually, computers get infected when internet users click on a link inside of a spam email or on a website. The new attacks are however characterized by rather sophisticated methods aimed at fooling more victims.

The attackers using "Petya" pretend to be job applicants and send "application emails" with a poisoned Dropbox link. The mails are personally addressed to HR departments of certain enterprises and unlike most spam mails are written in almost excellent German.

The mail allegedly contains a link to the data storage service Dropbox that a recruiter would open to get more information about the candidates and their resumes. When the link is accessed, the "Petya" software is being secretly downloaded and installed and then starts to collect important data from an enterprise's network.

The German police recommended the country's residents to be cautious and not to open links and attachments from unknown sources.