I just read on the news that there is apparently a new type of virus that locks the files on your computer and asks you to pay a ransom to have them released.

 

Did anyone read or hear about this on the news?

 

I just want to tell people to please backup your important files.

 

This is the wikipedia entry on the event if anyone is interested.

Yes, they are unable to trace where it has come from but it seems thus far to be targeting important businesses rather than private computer systems, so UK hospitals, some places in Russia and the US. Apparently it was something that was created in the US by the government and accidentally leaked and now being used against large businesses and corporations. I don't believe we need to be concerned however it is better safe than sorry. Basically it throws up a page demanding information release for ransom like you would after clicking a dodgy link. Here is an article on it: 
http://www.business-standard.com/article/international/wannacry-virus-businesses-brace-for-monday-as-ransomware-threat-lingers-117051400353_1.html

https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/unconfirmed-reports-cyberattack-affecting-nz-computers-in-wake-ransomware-hack

Yes, they are unable to trace where it has come from but it seems thus far to be targeting important businesses rather than private computer systems, so UK hospitals, some places in Russia and the US. Apparently it was something that was created in the US by the government and accidentally leaked and now being used against large businesses and corporations. I don't believe we need to be concerned however it is better safe than sorry. Basically it throws up a page demanding information release for ransom like you would after clicking a dodgy link.

 

I know but still it would be devastating if the common person was affected. Take no chances. backup your music, photos and stuff.

Afterall, being a student of health I always feel that "prevention is always better than treatment"

You can also avoid this by not opening emails from a unknown address.

 

Also if they send you a word document don't open it.

 

A word document sounds harmless but it isn't.

 

They put a macro in the word document that will run the ransomware automatically when you open it.

 

This happened once in the company where I work but luckily we had a backup . 

Just don't open anything you don't recognise and ensure your downloads are from trusted sources like uni or a company like Apple. Also, keep backups. Very important thing to do.

thats what a virus would ask!

 

seriously though there will always be hackers in some form or another all you can do is buy the best protection software and be carefull on what links you click

Yes, they are unable to trace where it has come from but it seems thus far to be targeting important businesses rather than private computer systems, so UK hospitals, some places in Russia and the US. Apparently it was something that was created in the US by the government and accidentally leaked and now being used against large businesses and corporations. I don't believe we need to be concerned however it is better safe than sorry. Basically it throws up a page demanding information release for ransom like you would after clicking a dodgy link. Here is an article on it: 

http://www.business-standard.com/article/international/wannacry-virus-businesses-brace-for-monday-as-ransomware-threat-lingers-117051400353_1.html

 

https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/unconfirmed-reports-cyberattack-affecting-nz-computers-in-wake-ransomware-hack

 

Although it's targeting corporate businesses now, it could just be a matter of time before it ripples. 

This is the reason Apple declined to create a backdoor for the FBI to enter the iphone of a suspected terrorist, the insecurity of it. Virtually nothing can be kept from hackers these days. 

 

~

 

The same common sense that applies to avoiding viruses on a daily basis applies here:

 

- DO NOT open emails period nevermind attachments from unknown senders and be wary of those from internet acquaintances. 

- DO NOT open emails from familiar senders if there is no title. 

- DO NOT download freeware, especially if it's something that isn't supposed be free such as a Microsoft Office download.

- DO NOT click sketchy links. I.e: those that appear in ad or spam tweets.  

- DO NOT stream movies or television shows illegally. The sources are NOT secure. 

- DO NOT click anything in a popup. Use a popup blocker to avoid them entirely. 

- BACKUP YOUR FILES. 

- Have a known and trusted security software such as MalwareByes, Norton, AVG, and/or SuperAntiSpyware and do regular scans. 

 

Bonus tip: Use a Mac as they're less susceptible to viruses than PCs.

Edited May 18, 20178 yr by Ventus_

Although it's targeting corporate businesses now, it could just be a matter of time before it ripples. 

This is the reason Apple declined to create a backdoor for the FBI to enter the iphone of a suspected terrorist, the insecurity of it. Virtually nothing can be kept from hackers these days. 

 

~

 

The same common sense that applies to avoiding viruses on a daily basis applies here:

 

- DO NOT open emails period nevermind attachments from unknown senders and be wary of those from internet acquaintances. 

- DO NOT open emails from familiar senders if there is no title. 

- DO NOT download freeware, especially if it's something that isn't supposed be free such as a Microsoft Office download.

- DO NOT click sketchy links. I.e: those that appear in ad or spam tweets.  

- DO NOT stream movies or television shows illegally. The sources are NOT secure. 

- DO NOT click anything in a popup. Use a popup blocker to avoid them entirely. 

- BACKUP YOUR FILES. 

- Have a known and trusted security software such as MalwareByes, Norton, AVG, and/or SuperAntiSpyware and do regular scans. 

 

Bonus tip: Use a Mac as they're less susceptible to viruses than PCs.

For Anti-Virus, I strongly recommend Kaspersky. It's quite possibly the best one

And generally Macs are more secure because these things aren't created for OSX. Mostly Windows.

For Anti-Virus, I strongly recommend Kaspersky. It's quite possibly the best one

And generally Macs are more secure because these things aren't created for OSX. Mostly Windows.

 

I haven't heard of Kaspersky but I'll look into it for my Acer laptop. I don't trust Windows Defender after the last virus I had disabled the damn thing. Yeah, I never said I didn't shit on common sense but no more. I may not use the Acer much but it serves well as a backup, such as when I had Macbook power cord problems. 

I haven't heard of Kaspersky but I'll look into it for my Acer laptop. I don't trust Windows Defender after the last virus I had disabled the damn thing. Yeah, I never said I didn't shit on common sense but no more. I may not use the Acer much but it serves well as a backup, such as when I had Macbook power cord problems.

 

Welp, Windows Defender is shit anyways