RANSOMWARE - NETWORK SAFETY MEASURES

You may have already heard of the recent global cyber-attacks affecting over 200,000 organizations in over 150 countries known as ransomware. The “WannaCry” ransomware uses flaws in Microsoft software to spread quickly through networks and locking away files. There is no anti-virus that can fix ransomware.

Exercising caution can help to prevent an attack to your network.

So, what can you do?

Eliminate any computers running operating systems other than Windows, 7, 8 or 10.

Be sure to set Windows updates to automatic.  In this specific instance, we have found it better to also manually check for a Windows update.  Select “Settings, Windows Updates, Check for updates” and install.

Have anti-virus software installed on each PC.  We suggest and use ESET antivirus and www.Malwarebytes.org for ransomware and trojans.  You can go to Malwarebytes.org and download their free version.  Their lifetime subscription is better and we do have both available. 

Do not open unsolicited emails with attachments; especially from unknown or questionable sources, even if they address you by name.

Always type the website out yourself and resist clicking on any links that take you to seemingly authentic but fraudulent websites, or that warn you to change a password. Stay alert and be suspiciously cautious.

If you do become infected, you will need to disconnect the infected PC from your network and re-install Windows as soon as possible.