In case you haven't heard, WannaCry, has been running rampant. WannaCry is a crypto worm. A self replicating virus that runs through your network, encrypting your files. To get your files back, you have to pay a ransom within 7 days, or your files are deleted. It sounds terrifying, because it is.
The good news is that WannaCry uses a security flaw in windows that was repaired in March of 2017. If you've been keeping your windows computers up to date, you're at less risk. The bad news is, if you're running Windows XP or Server 2003, there is no patch. And there won't be a patch. These machines will forever be at risk.
Security companies are hard at work determining how to beat WannaCry. In the meantime:
- Be very cautious about clicking on links our opening attachments in email. Before doing either, your should know the sender of the email and be expecting the link or attachment.
- Ensure your computer is fully patched, not just windows, but your antivirus software and all other applications as well. Do this now.
- Have a good backup, with multiple versions. Once you're infected, you have two choices, pay the ransom or restore from a backup.
Here is some information from our friends at Bleeping Computer.
If you're not sure how to keep yourself safe, we can help.
Stay safe
