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Wise Wiper

Wise is a newly observed wiper which deletes files on the users machines once infected.
Report a cyber attack: call 0300 303 5222 or email [email protected]

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Summary

Wise is a newly observed wiper which deletes files on the users machines once infected.

Affected platforms

The following platforms are known to be affected:

Threat details

Wise infects machines via malicious Word documents spread via spam campaigns. Once downloaded the Wiper will start deleting files on the computer while showing a fake ransom note in an attempt to sell a decryptor tool, which is unnecessary, as the files have been deleted.


Remediation advice

To avoid becoming infected with malware, ensure that:

Remediation steps

Type Step
  • A robust program of education and awareness training is delivered to users to ensure they don’t open attachments or follow links within unsolicited emails.
  • All operating systems, anti-virus and other security products are kept up to date.
  • All day to day computer activities such as email and internet are performed using non-administrative accounts and that permissions are always assigned based on the principle of least privilege.
  • Your organisation adopts a holistic all-round approach to Cyber Security as advocated by the 10 Steps to Cyber Security.
  • Identifying the source of infection:
  • Identifying the affected device and disconnecting or quarantining it from the network is essential to damage limitation.

To limit the damage of the wiper and enable recovery:

  • All critical data must be backed up, and these backups must be sufficiently protected/kept out of reach of the wiper.
  • Multiple backups should be created including at least one off-network backup (e.g. to tape).

The only guaranteed way to recover from a wiper infection is to restore all affected files from their most recent backup.


Last edited: 17 February 2020 12:57 pm