AN UPDATE ON WANNACRY MALWARE ... WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
AN UPDATE ON WANNACRY MALWARE
Please read the attached to protect you, your company and your data.

In light of the May 12th cyber attack called "WannaCry" that managed to circle the globe and shut down companies, hospitals and governments temporarily, we thought we would provide you with some information on how to keep your operating systems and application software up to date.

WannaCry or WannaCrypto are the latest cyber attacks reported. Basically this malware has the same effect as prior crypto – ransomware threats did. They encrypt a system’s data so it cannot be accessed unless we either “solve” their code, pay their ransom (please don’t do that), or re-initialize your system and restore the data from a backup.

The best way to prepare yourself and your company to withstand a ransomware attack is by keeping your operating systems and application software up to date and by making sure that you BACK UP YOUR DATA regularly.

The key to security and protecting your system is by using a multi-layered approach. A bare minimum would include a firewall and anti-virus software, educating the end users (not to open attachments and/or links, etc.) and having a strong data backup / disaster recovery plan. Here are a few other things you can do:

Make sure you have up to date Anti-virus software installed*
Renew the Anti-virus subscriptions before they expire
Install a good firewall, not simply a router*
Read emails carefully before opening and opening an attachment or clicking on a web link
Have multiple copies of your data, documents, pictures, etc…stored on a backup drive or cloud storage i.e. One Drive, Drop Box etc..

*Use Windows Firewall & Windows Defender or check into Security Subscriptions from Norton and AVG that offer Anti-virus and Firewall bundles.

Generally speaking, we often make mistakes when we get distracted or are trying to work on several tasks at once, so be careful, stay focused and practice safe computing.

Unfortunately, with malware like WannaCry and others, nothing is 100% effective, but we can certainly minimize exposure by following the proper procedures and implementing the appropriate technologies.

Speak with your tech provider and see if you’re protected adequately today and if you have a question please don’t hesitate to contact our office.

Power Up with John Hassler is a blog distributed by Tech 2020 Solutions, Inc. and written by John Hassler, President and Founder of the company. To reach John, contact him at 516.876.8761 or via email at news@2000computer.com. Connect on Linked In and Facebook.