DUBAI — Leading regional online payment provider CashU has warned Middle East PC users to remain diligent and protect their PCs with up to date antivirus and antimalware software in light of the recent malicious attacks across the region. The virus prompts users with an onscreen message that their PC is locked and asks users to send a set amount of money via CashU service to have their PC unlocked. “While CashU service has not been interrupted nor has the integrity of our customers' information been breached, CashU believes that similar malware attacks will continue to target Middle East users as the virus continues to spread,” said Omar Soudodi, acting CEO of CashU. “These phishing attacks are primarily targeting PC users with the aim of collecting private information such as user data, financial and password information. Unfortunately the CashU brand was used by the attackers to defraud unwitting PC users because of its wide appeal in over 40 countries and it is a popular online payment system among thousands of online merchants across the globe.” The malware virus infects computers by locking the screen and asking the user to pay a ransom via CashU service to unlock it. This security threat is called ‘ransomware' and has been targeting PC users across the region with documented attacks in Saudi Arabia, UAE and Qatar as well as the Levant. Cyber criminals use the malware to send a deceptive message to unwitting users posing as a legitimate notice from a respected authority that their PC is blocked because they committed a crime such as downloading pirated content or browsing illicit websites. Users are asked to pay a non-existent fine to unlock their PC, enabling the cyber criminals to both gain access to private user information while defrauding users and stealing their money. Users who have been affected or suspect that malware has been unknowingly installed on their PC can regain control of their PC by following instructions provided by CashU on its website: https://www.cashu.com/en/cashU-got-your-back.html. — SG
