WannaCry Ransomware; What is it?
On May 12, 2017, a vicious malicious software named WannaCry Ransomware attacked consumers, businesses, police stations and hospitals. Computers running a Windows operating system that was not up-to-date became a victim.
Ransomware is here to stay. It makes cyber-thieves money and customers and businesses cry. You do not have to be a victim.
What Does Ransomware Actually Do?
When Ransomware enters your computer, it quietly begins to locate your pictures, data and other personal and business data. It even checks the network you are using to find other attached computers for similar data. Any attached USB external drives and NAS storage will also be encrypted. As Ransomware locates data, it encrypts them so they cannot be viewed or used again. When the encryption process is complete it will display a large banner announcing what it did. It will require you to pay the cyber bandits the amount of money they specify or your data will be gone forever. Keep in mind, that you are dealing with cyber-thieves. There is no guarantee the money you pay will get your data files back.
How WannaCry Ransomware is Different Than the Others
This version of Ransomware does not require a person to click on a link or an infected email. It preys on Microsoft Windows operating systems that are not up to date with the necessary security updates. Windows XP and Windows Vista are especially vulnerable to attack because they are no longer supported by Microsoft. Windows 7, 8 & 10 are also vulnerable if the Windows security updates are not being applied.
4 Things to Do to Protect your Computer from WannaCry Ransomware?
Get a tune-up once or twice a year for protection
Unless you are a computer technician, you don’t know what is going on “under the hood” of your computer. Treat your computer with regular tuneups to keep it running fast and protect it from malicious software attacks.
Regularly Apply All Computer updates to All Computers
Computer PC Medic, computer repair in Fort Collins has encountered many Windows computers that are not successfully updating the necessary released Windows security patches. If you are not sure, then mention this to your computer technician at your next computer tuneup.
Backup all Data that you cannot afford to lose
Believe it or not, most consumers and many businesses do not back up the very data they are dependent on. The “It won’t happen to me” philosophy is a very dangerous philosophy. Back up all important data locally and to an off-site cloud. Do it daily or more often. It needs to be automatic, so you won’t forget.
Protect All Computers with a Top-Notch Antivirus and Firewall
You need to be running an antivirus and firewall that is running in real-time. In addition, it should have a “system watcher” technology that is actively monitoring your data and applications, all of the time.
Do not rely on a “free-bee” antivirus. You get what you pay for!