WannaCry – Global Ransomware Attack
The recent ransomware attack has hit over 300,000 machines in 150 countries since Friday and crippled organisations including our NHS. The attack, named Wana Decrypt0r 2.0 or WannaCry, used a vulnerability in a Windows Server component to spread within corporate networks. Users are locked out of their devices and all data is encrypted. It then demands a ransom for the decryption key via the Tor Network. In this case, the attackers were asking for at least $300 in bitcoins for each computer affected. The vulnerability does not exist within Windows 10, the latest version of the software, but is present in all versions of Windows prior to that, dating back to Windows XP.
Our hosting partner UKFast have worked tirelessly to ensure their infrastructure and firewalls block the attack. We would like to add that Lawrence Jones, CEO of UKFast has confirmed that not one of their customers has been affected by the ransomware. UKFast is also now directly assisting the government to update system and equipment to get the country up and running.
We hope as our customers; this puts your mind at ease and we will be happy to answer any queries you may have.
Keep your systems protected
1. Be extra vigilant when opening unexpected email attachments
2. Back up your most important files, either externally or using a cloud based storage system.
3. Ensure your system is fulled up to date.
4. Install a dedicated ransomware blocker – many of the big anti-virus software only recently added ransomware blocking!
Have a question? Get in touch!
