Office of the County Executive
Steve Summers, County Executive

Information Technology Division

Important Information from County IT - May, 2017

Recently, there have been several serious world-wide computer security issues that could impact you and your computer.

A phishing email caused many people to give out their Google credentials and grant an unknown user access to their Google accounts.

A “ransomware” worm virus (ironically named WannaCry) worked its way through several hundred thousand computers in 150 countries last week, encrypting computer files (the computer on/under your desk) and server files (your shared drive – P drive, Q drive, S drive, etc.) making them inaccessible without a key, for which a ransom needed to be paid to obtain. Ransomware is bad stuff. It looks like this one may have started with an email that contained “invoice” or “Shipping Details” as an attachment or a link. The difference with this particular one, which makes it more dangerous, is that once any computer on a network is infected the ransomware can “worm” its way through the network infecting individual computers.

Nightmare, right? Here’s what you need to do to help us mitigate the effects of computer security issues:

Windows updates

It is extremely important that Windows be kept up to date. IT manages Windows updates from a central location so you don’t to search for them. All you have to do is restart your computer when prompted. We know it’s inconvenient but the possible alternatives could be disastrous to everyone. Immediately apply updates when prompted. Don't put it off!

Email

Don’t open suspicious emails.

If you receive an email asking you to “update” your email credentials or bank/credit card information don’t do it. Confirm that it is a REAL request through another means. More than likely it’s a phishing attempt.

Don’t click on links or attachments in emails unless you know the sender. Especially avoid any link or document that indicates “invoice” or “shipping details.” Confirm that it is a REAL request through another means.

Limit usage of your County email account to business related purposes only. Don’t share your email address with commercial websites unless it is work related.

Internet safety

If you ever get a pop up while on a website that indicates your computer has an infection and directs you to call a toll free number DO NOT DO IT. Contact IT immediately. It is an attempt to gain remote access to your computer.

If you ever get a phone call from someone who indicates they can tell your computer has an infection HANG UP IMMEDIATELY (especially if they claim to be from Microsoft). It is an attempt to gain remote access to your computer.

Storing/backup up files

County IT does not back up files stored on your local hard drive (C drive). If you store files on your local hard drive you must make sure they are backed up.

If your computer gets infected with ransomware your files will not be recoverable.

County IT does back up files stored on shared lettered drives such as P drive, Q drive S drive, etc.

Sharing information

Don’t ask another to share or share your own personal information (Drivers License, Social Security Number) via email. Don’t ask another to share or share your own financial information (bank information, credit card numbers) via email. Don’t ask another to share or share your own health related information via email. Don’t ask another to share or share juvenile information via email. Common scams involve tricking a user into sharing W2 files or healthcare files. Confirm that it is a REAL request through another means.

If necessary for personal information protection, Criminal Justice Information Systems information protection, or HIPAA information protection requirements you can encrypt your email by typing [encrypt] in the subject line of the email.

Positives for the County

County employees are very savvy and careful about what they do on their computers.

The good old indestructible AS400 is a presently a positive for the County. JANO, New World and County400 all run on this platform, which has so far been immune to virus attacks. Data from these systems is also replicated off site in real time to a facility in Oak Brook.

County IT is also working with Microsoft to obtain off site cloud storage for Windows server backup files, separating them from servers on the County network.

Don't ever hesitate to contact us at Helpdesk@co.champaign.il.us if you have any questions or concerns about your computer. That's what we're here for!