Downloading malicious a file caused infection

Although UAC helps limit the privileges of admin users, users can override this restriction when prompted. As a result, it is quite easy for an admin user to inadvertently allow malware to run.

To help ensure that everyday activities do not result in malware infection and other potentially catastrophic changes, it is recommended that you use a non-administrator account for regular use. By using a non-administrator account, you can prevent installation of unauthorized apps and prevent inadvertent changes to system settings.

Avoid browsing the web or checking email using an account with administrator privileges. Whenever necessary, log in as an administrator to install apps or make configuration changes that require admin privileges. Read about creating user accounts and giving administrator privileges. Backup files. Follow the rule: make 3 copies , store in at least 2 locations , with at least 1 offline copy. Use OneDrive for reliable cloud-based copies that allow access to files from multiple devices and helps recover damaged or lost files, including files locked by ransomware.

Be wary when connecting to public hotspots, particularly those that do not require authentication. Use strong passwords and enable multi-factor authentication. Avoid downloading or running older apps. Some of these apps might have vulnerabilities. Also, older file formats for Office This could be a security risk. Microsoft provides comprehensive security capabilities that help protect against threats. We recommend:. Automatic Microsoft updates keeps software up to date to get the latest protections.

Controlled folder access stops ransomware in its tracks by preventing unauthorized access to your important files. To learn more, see Protect yourself from phishing. Microsoft OneDrive has built-in protection against Ransomware attacks. To learn more, see Ransomware detection and recovering your files. Microsoft Office includes a powerful scripting language that allows developers to create advanced tools to help you be more productive.

Unfortunately, criminals can also use that scripting language to create malicious scripts that install malware or do other bad things. Warning: A popular trick by criminals is to tell you that you're about to be charged for a service you never signed up for. When you contact them to protest they tell you that to cancel the service you just need to download an Excel file they provide and fill in some details.

If you download and open the file Excel will show the warning you see above. If you select Enable Content the malicious macro will run and infect your system. No legitimate company will ever make you open an Office file just to cancel a service.

If one asks you to, just hang up on them. It's a scam and there is no service you need to cancel. To learn more about controlling how macros run on your device see Enable or disable macros in Office files. Many worms spread by infecting removable drives such as USB flash drives or external hard drives. The malware can be automatically installed when you connect the infected drive to your PC. First and foremost, be very wary of any USB device that you don't own.

If you find a USB device that was apparently lost or discarded, be reluctant to plug it into a computer with data you care about. Sometimes attackers will deliberately leave infected USB devices laying around in popular areas in hopes that somebody will find them and plug them into their computer. DocuSign is aware of this long-running effort by the criminals behind Hancitor, and the company has guidelines for dealing with this sort of malicious activity. The default option was to leave the add-in disabled.

Excel immediately ran the add-in and closed. I didn't see any sort of fake template like we usually see when Hancitor uses a Word document as the initial file. Shown above: HTML. Other indicators follow. SHA hash: 73b8cd8cdfdaa0bb9d32a49b1eaa1e6aaeb9c9daaacb SHA hash: dad2bbcdef52b11ace6e2eecefcdbdc97cdd5.

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