Brock University ITS began sending a critical security update to Windows 7/8 computers across campus on Monday, May 15, forcing those computers to restart within one minute.

The restart process may take several minutes.

This action is in response to ransomware attacks that started on Friday, May 12, when criminal hackers caused a global epidemic by releasing a new strain of ransomware.

Anyone who opens any of these phishing email attachments will not only infect their own computer, but others across campus.

Be very careful when you get an email with an attachment you did not ask for. DO NOT click on any .zip file in the attachment, and delete the entire email.

If you have any doubt, call the Help Desk at ext. 4357.

You can get ahead of this process by updating your computer, following the steps below:

Windows 7/8:

Click the Start menu.  Type windows update, select Windows Update.  Under Windows Update, click “Check online for updates from Windows Update”.  Install any updates found.

Windows 10:

Click the Start menu.  Type windows update, select Check for updates.  Under Updates and Security, click Check for updates.  Install any updates found.

Repeat this entire process until there are no further updates to install.

If you have any concerns regarding this email or your computer, please call the Help Desk at ext. 4357.