Global Ransomware ‘WannaCry’: What You Need to Know

When you go several days without hearing any news about ransomware, you can be certain there is something big being worked on. The ransomware industry, in the last year alone, has become a billion-dollar business. You may be wondering why it has become so successful. Well, the approach has been proven to work by cyber criminals.

While many companies sit back and feel safe with the security solutions they employ, many hackers have been trying to exploit this recent security threat.

In just 10 hours’ time, more than 48,000 attacks in nearly 100 countries occurred as a global ransomware attack. The strain of this ransomware is called “WannaCry.” This attack infects a computer by locking access to every file then demanding a ransom for control to be given back. This WannaCry exploit is quickly spreading throughout Windows. Machines that fall victim to this attack must pay the ransom within a few hours’ window. If the ransom is not paid on time, it continues to go up.

Victims continue to be tricked by cyber criminals into opening malicious email attachments that appear to contain normal files, invoices, job offers, or security warnings.

The data on the infected computers is encrypted. To have the files restored, payments of up to $600 have been demanded. Researchers have shown that many of the victims pay using Bitcoin, a popular digital currency. It is uncertain now how much the cyber criminals have taken using this method.

Unfortunately, even after the ransom is paid, the code can be tweaked and the attackers can start the cycle again.

There are some things you can do to help prevent your business from becoming a victim of ransomware.

  1. Make sure your system is updated to the latest Windows system that includes the Microsoft patch MS 17 – 010.
  2. Talk with all staff members about being extra cautious when opening their emails and browsing the web.
  3. Create a backup for your files that allows for a quick recovery if your business falls victim to ransomware.
  4. Contact computer support Birmingham AL to help protect your business against cyber-attacks.

Don’t let your business become the next victim of ransomware. Let us help protect you and your business from cyber criminals.