What you need to know about Ransomware, and how to stay protected
You may have heard about the recent cyber attacks affecting computers and networks all over the world. We will help you understand what Ransomware is, how to protect against it, and keep your data safe.
What is Ransomware?
Ransomware is Malware, a virus that infects your computer. It locks the files on your computer and demands a ransom to unlock them. These files include, documents, pictures, databases, and many other file types.
The current, big name, ransomware virus locking data around the world has been named WannaCry. It exploits a security loophole in the Windows operating system.
How to stay protected from Ransomware
1. Back up your computer and store the safety version in the cloud, with a service like
Carbonite, or on a drive that is not connected to your computer.
2. Use robust antivirus software, like
VIPRE Advanced Security capable of catching and removing sophisticated malware.
3. Keep all the software on your computer up-to-date.
*** The WannaCry ransomware virus is based on a security loophole in the Windows Operating System. Microsoft released a patch for this loophole last month. See below
4. Enable automatic updates.
5. Never open attachments in emails from someone you don't know.
(Especially ZIP file attachments) And remember that any account can be compromised.
6. Enable the "Show file extensions" option in the Windows settings on your computer. This will make it much easier to spot potentially malicious files. Stay away from file extensions like ".exe," ".vbs" and ".scr."
7. If you find a problem, disconnect your machine immediately from the Internet or other network connections (such as home Wi-Fi). Otherwise it will infect the other devices on your network
WannaCry Ransomware
The WannaCry Ransomware virus is based on a security loophole in Windows Operating system. Microsoft released a patch for this loophole last month. If you have not done your windows updates recently, do it now!
You will need to install the latest Security Monthly Quality Rollups for April and May 2017. These updates are specific to your particular version of windows. If you are using Vista, XP or earlier, your versions are no longer under support from Microsoft, so there are not security updates. If you have Windows 7 or newer, links to the updates are listed below.
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APRIL Security Rollup
64-BIt Windows
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APRIL Security Rollup
32-BIt Windows
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Keep your Data Safe
Make backups! Use a good Cloud backup service, like Carbonite, and keep copies of your physical backups detached from your computer and network. Sometimes problems are unavoidable. A ransomware virus exploiting a security loophole can infect your computer even if you didn't do anything wrong. Ransomware can also infect your backups if they are attached tot he computer or network.
Get Carbonite and Worry Less
If you don't have it already, get it! It's safe, easy, and affordable. Carbonite saves incremented backups of your data. That means if you get a virus, and don't realize it for a few days, you can call them and ask them to restore your data to the day before you had the problem. How great is that?! We have seen it save the day on countless occasions when data is lost.
Click HERE to get Carbonite at a discount
Stop Malware in its Tracks
Vipre is robust Antivirus/Antimalware software that has been excellent at catching and removing ransomware. We like it because it offers excellent protection without slowing the computer down, or being annoying with pop-ups.
Get Vipre Advanced Security HERE
Keep Your Computer Healthy
Back up your Data, use a good Antivirus software, and Make sure Windows is up to date.
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