After the cyber attack earlier this month that infected more than 230,000 computers in over 150 countries, WannaCry ransomware became every company’s worst nightmare seemingly overnight. Here’s the bad news – it targets Microsoft Windows operating systems by encrypting data and demanding ransom payments in Bitcoin. The good news? It’s preventable.
WannaCry spreads only to exposed systems, which means those who keep up with regular security updates are not vulnerable to this ransomware cryptoworm. A proactive approach is key to safeguarding your computer from this kind of cyber attack. Here are eight ways to protect your data:
Know your OS.
WannaCry ransomware has found vulnerabilities in older Windows operating systems – specifically Windows 8, Windows XP, and Windows Server 2003. Make sure you know your OS and its most recent update.
Remember that newer Windows versions need to stay updated as well, or they are just as vulnerable as an OS more than a decade old. Microsoft has released patches for immediate security updates, so PC users have everything they need to stay safe, no matter how old or new their OS may be.
Turn on the auto-updates.
Auto updates can be a pain – especially when they pop up right in the middle of your work day. But don’t let this be a reason to deactivate this feature. Automatic updates are essential to keeping your security at peak performance. Without it, installing the latest update can be easily forgotten or postponed, which can lead to loss of data.
Back it up.
Speaking of all that data you’re afraid to lose, you need to back it up. Whether on a server or cloud storage, the more copies of files you have, the less likely they are to become inaccessible.
Many cloud storage services offer rollback features as well, allowing you to find previous versions of lost data.
Invest in a ransomware blocker.
If you’re using an anti-virus software, never assume that it will protect against ransomware. Check the settings for descriptions of ransomware protection. No mention of it? It may be time to invest in a ransomware utility.
Companies like Synology offer complete WannaCry protection, with specialized cloud storage that retains historical versions of data – allowing users to restore files and folders from a specific point in time.
Never click links from people you don’t know.
It may seem obvious, but this is a habit that every computer user needs to have. While this particular ransomware finds access through the network, it’s still linking from one company to another. And since many attacks happen due to careless clicking on links from people we do not know, this is the best way to prevent malicious access.
It is our goal to not only provide you with the most efficient practice management software, but also to keep you up to date on the latest tech news. Protecting your data is a priority, and will maximize your Universal Office experience. Check the Antibex blog for regular industry updates!
