So another round of ransomware cyberattacks has broken out and infected and caused havoc to businesses around the globe. The virus spread very quickly across Europe and has now arrived in New Zealand.
This attack, named “NotPetya” (originally reported as Petya), is a type of virus known as ransomware and utilises the same vulnerability in Microsoft Windows that was patched in March of 2017 and exploited by the “WannaCry” ransomware variant. It encrypts all files on your computer rendering them unusable. The difference from WannaCry is that once a single computer in a network is infected, the programme looks for other computers on the network and infects them as well.
As a Lucidity Managed Services customer you can be assured that you are protected. The Microsoft patches previously released to protect from the exploit ransomware like Wannacry and NotPetya have been installed successfully and we have added additional monitoring for specific traits of this ransomware.
What should you do?
If you are not a Lucidity managed services customer, or you have devices that are not part of your managed service, we recommend you take precautionary measures as follows:
1. Ensure you install the Windows update that stops Petya from spreading
If you previously patched with MS17-010, you have some protection from this attack; If you have not yet patched vulnerable systems, you should do so now.
2. Do not open any unexpected or suspicious links and attachments in your email
The criminals behind these attacks are extremely intelligent – as the pattern of attacks change it is difficult for systems to prevent these from occurring. The best protection is for your staff to be trained to look out for phishing emails and to not click links or open attached files associated with them. Microsoft has published an article that we recommend you read to get a better understanding: How to recognize phishing email messages, links, or phone calls
3. Ensure your Anti-virus and anti-malware is up to date
Windows Defender is the default Microsoft anti-malware software and this should catch any infections. Ensure that your virus definitions are fully up to date – a full Windows Update will also ensure this definition is downloaded. If you are using other non Microsoft anti-malware software, ensure that you have the latest virus definitions downloaded onto your computer.
4. Back up your data
Make sure your files are backed up externally. If you get infected by this type of software, the only real way to recover is from back up.
5. Get IT support
Lucidity continues to monitor this evolving threat. If you have questions or need assistance, please email us and we will do our best to assist you.
Lucy
