Windows 10: Ransomware: A executive guide to one of the biggest menaces on the web

Best defense is still to make backups regularly. *Wink

Ransomware: An executive guide to one of the biggest menaces on the web | ZDNet

:)

 

Ransomware

excerpt of today's article from zdnet.com:

...Cybersecurity researchers have suggested the ransomware attacks are so potent because they exploit a a known software flaw dubbed EternalBlue. This Windows flaw is one of many zero-days which apparently was known by the NSA -- before being leaked

by the Shadow Brokers hacking collective.
Microsoft released a patch for the vulnerability earlier this year - but only for the most recent operating systems.

One thing many of the targets have in common is that they're running old Windows operating systems like Windows XP, Windows 8 and Windows Server 2003, which now only usually receive patches if the organisation using them are receiving special custom support.

Also:
Ransomware: These four industries are the most frequently attacked |
Windows 10 tip: Keep unwanted software off PCs you support |
Will your business be next? Customizable ransomware makes it easy for criminals to target organisations |

Ransomware: An executive guide to one of the biggest menaces on the web

However, in order to ensure as many systems as possible are protected against WannaCrypt ransomware and other attacks, Microsoft has made security patches for Windows XP and other operating systems broadly available to download.

"This decision was made based on an assessment of this situation, with the principle of protecting our customer ecosystem overall, firmly in mind," the company told customers

in a blog post.

Customers can now download security updates for
Windows Server 2003 SP2 x64,
Windows Server 2003 SP2 x86,
Windows XP SP2 x64,
Windows XP SP3 x86,
Windows XP Embedded SP3 x86,
Windows 8 x86, and
Windows 8 x64.

Microsoft is continuing to work with customers to provide assistance as the situation evolves.

 

I can't get rid of my virus

You should have always an updated antivirus running in your computer, not just to fight against virus, also to detect and prevent malware, ransomware and other menaces.

 

Disconnect from Internet....Format and reinstall.....You do have a backup?....Change passwords on router and system....reconnect.
I imagine It would be rare occurrence for a member of this forum to be caught out clicking on an e-mail link from an unknown source.

 

I don't assume anyone is immune. We're all human.

That said, knowledge does help in trying to avoid being caught up in this nasty trap.

 

That's why you always must think twice, before clicking on anything.

 

It is the new websites and codes you have to watch now. That is why you need a tech buddy to guide you around the web.

 

Unfortunately, it's getting smarter & harder to detect.

One of the most dangerous forms of ransomware has just evolved to be harder to spot | ZDNet

 

New type of infection but yet the same old story.
If a user isn't careful what they do and how they do it, the user will get infected.

20 years ago users were doing the same bad practices. Opening email from what ever and who ever.
Downloading things for free that are not free. peer to peer, ect. ect.
20 years later and after a zillion articles and post on the proper things to do and not to do; the same things are being done in the same fashion. The only difference is now the infections are more serious and their are a lot more of them.
I do admit that security programs are a lot better now days but they still need help from the owner and or operator of the computing system.

Some today think security programs are nothing but bloatware that interfere with their peer to peer downloads.

Back to basic is still the best way in my opinion.
Layered security protection.
Backup, Backup and more backups.
A little time learning by the owner and user of the computer on basic security.
Security programs can not protect the computer from the nut in front of the keyboard 100% of the time.

Their will be no end to new types and methods of infections. One has to do a little learning and try to do things in a secure fashion.
Security programs are much better today than they were 20 years ago by leaps and bounds but still need help by the humans behind the keyboard.

Jack