Tech News
The WannaCry Ransomware and You
As many of you are probably aware, Friday the 12th marked the largest cyber-attack in recent years. It has affected many businesses and individuals globally, and many are still left wondering if they are at risk. As with most cyber crime, the best way to protect yourself is to know what to look for in the first place.
What is the WannaCry Ransomeware?
WannaCry is a form of Trojan Virus. It infects your computer while masquerading as another file or application you have downloaded from the internet. Once it is on your computer, it will begin to encrypt your data, whereupon it will hold your files to ransom.
Am I at risk?
If you are using Mac OS or iOS, no. The WannaCry ransomeware is specifically targeting Microsoft Windows Computers. iOS devices cannot install software from outside the Apple app store. All apps must be verified on the app store before they can be distributed, preventing malware such as the WannaCry ransomeware from approaching you. Similarly, your OS devices, such as your MacBook and iMac, have a default setting preventing anything other than identified and verified developers and the Apple Store from installing anything on your system.
If you are a Microsoft Windows user, there are steps you can take to protect your machine.
Ensure your computer is up-to-date and all updates are installed. Microsoft released a patch that prevents the WannaCry Ransomeware and any similar malware from infecting your computer in March 2017.
Unfortunately, this means that older machines that can no longer perform Windows Updates, or have vintage operating systems like Windows XP or Vista, are unable to get this patch. However, there are still several things you can do to protect yourself from this virus.
How to protect yourself
If you are still concerned your machine is at risk, we can mitigate the ransomeware’s damage with a few simple steps.
- Backup your computer.
Always make sure to make regular backups of all your files and folders. For Mac users, all systems since Mac OS X 10.5 come pre-installed with Time Machine. Coupled with an external hard drive, such as the ‘My Passport’, you can quickly protect anything of value on your computer so that, should the device become infected, you can restore your data and safely ignore the blackmail demands of the virus.
- Do not install third-party software you do not recognise.
A Trojan Virus, like all malware, will usually pretend to be an update or application that needs to be downloaded. This may come in the form of a Flash update. You will be asked to download and install this malware, whereupon it reveals its true colours. If a piece of software asks you to update it, make sure you go to the official webpage of that software to get the official version. If you go to a website other than the official site and it asks you to update or download a file you don’t recognise, close the page. If you are unsure, do not install it.
My machine is already infected, what do I do?
If your machine has already been infected by the WannaCry Ransomeware or a copycat virus, you are advised NOT to send any money via Bitcoin to the hackers behind the attack. There is no guarantee that sending the ransom will unlock your machine and decrypt your files. You could end up being scammed of $300 and having a machine with encrypted files you can no longer access.
As of writing this post, there is no fix, either through Malwarebytes or official channels, to remove the malware. The Ransomeware makes files unusable unless you have the key to decrypting them, which only the hackers have.
Hopefully, affected users will have backups of their data. Everyone is advised to backup all of their files, either through iCloud, or through the Time Machine function, to prevent loss.
Things to remember.
If you feel that any personal passwords or details have been given out then try to limit the damage.
• Contact your bank and change bank details if these have been forfeit.
• If you have handed out information about your friends warn them.
• If passwords have been compromised then change them instantly (including any websites that use the same login). Keep an eye out for any websites that reject your current password or claim that it has recently been changed – it’s possible that the fraudster has entered your account and locked you out.
• Ensure that system software is up to date and that it includes the latest security.
