Windows 10: Nasty ransomware overwrites your PC's master boot record

Read more: This nasty ransomware overwrites your PC's master boot record | PCWorld

:)

 

KERNEL_SECURITY_CHECK_FAILURE when trying to update windows 10

Hi,

If you're not using any other third-party virus detection software, we recommend that you use Windows Defender to scan your device. Even when offline, this tool runs from outside of Windows kernel so it can target malware that can infect or overwrite the
master boot records.

Regards.

 

Ransomeware

This article was posted about 5 days ago.
http://blog.trendmicro.com/trendlabs-security-intelligence/petya-crypto-ransomware-overwrites-mbr-lock-users-computers/

It talks about overwriting the MBR and encrypting the drive. So I assume these are 2 separate processes. At first since the article mentioned overwriting the MBR, I thought maybe having a GPT partition would stop the encryption, but now I'm thinking at best
maybe having a GPT partition would prevent the part of the attack that stops the pc from booting up, but the files would still be encrypted.

 

Trying to stay one step ahead of ransomware and other nasties, I make a weekly backup, run a quality antivirus, malwarebytes and stay away from sites that I feel might be unsafe.

 

I do daily backups, and when I remember to, I use a VM for questionable sites and software.

 

This a good one to install. Downloading Malwarebytes Anti-Ransomware

 

Its better to get it from the source.
Introducing Malwarebytes Anti-Ransomware Beta - Malwarebytes Anti-Ransomware Beta - Malwarebytes Forums

 

Looks like hacking got more sophisticated*Sick

 

Have a backup image in hand and get your self a copy of " Sandboxie Control 5.10 latest version " and educate your self, via you tube instruction's and you wont ever have one worry about getting nailed by any of these evil and criminal engineered attacks on any or your devices...

Like I have said before it takes me at least three days to set up a clean install and configured to my taste " if no back up in in hand "

Sandboxie is the most import protection on the market if you educate yourself in how it works and the ins and outs " been using this very fine app for the last 8 years and hands down " not one glitch or a fatal attack on any of my toys " Windows, Mac, and Linux and on a couple of smartphones powered by android *Wink

Deep Freeze is also a must have asset *Wink

 

I use Malwarebytes and Avast Pro AV. Avast comes with a browser, Safe Zone it is called.
I NOW backup after a little problem about 2 weeks ago. I do hope I am SAFE. *Smile

 

Now to clarify aren't most newer systems UEFI, which no longer uses the MBR method? and thus making the virus non-invasive?

I thought that was, in part, one of the purposes of UEFI?

 

Yes. If you installed Windows via UEFI then that ransomware doesn't do anything since EFI doesn't use boot sectors such as the MBR and uses a EFI file located on the partition. It also helps to have Secure Boot enabled since that also prevents any tampering with the EFI files.

 

Useful ways to find and remove ransomware highjackers.
If only page captured disconnect router, delete offending page, reconnect router.

If encrypted by ransomware the following options are available.
Ctrl + Shift + Esc together will open Task Manager, in Processes find the intruder, write down the name for future reference, right click on it to kill process and also open file location to delete.

Windows Logo + R opens Run box where you can open Regedit and Msconfig, both offering access to the infection.

By looking in Hidden Files and Folders will again reveal intrusions.

If you have previously created a Restore Point then you can reset.

 

Hi there

Macrium Reflect -- decent bootable restore image will kill any of this nonsense. Another reason for taking REGULAR BACKUPS !!!!!!!!. Keep a few versions so you don't restore a version with the ransomware still on the system.

This type of SCAM is so old hat I'm surprised people are still getting caught by it --- NEVER pay any money and forward any emails / phone recordings to Police or whoever is the Fraud regulator in your jurisdiction.

For recording phonecalls -- this (albeit slightly expensive system) from the UK is one of the best -- if not the best that I've ever come across.

http://www.dstele.com/truecallcallscreening

Cheers
jimbo

 

If it's true that UEFI systems are impervious to ransomware, isn't that the most logical protection for any OS that supports it? Since I have no need for partition setups that MBR can't accommodate, I've avoided switching to GPT to save the extra space it needs. But shielding against ransomware seems to be a strong reason for making the change.