A new version of the WannaCry ransomware is hitting organisations worldwide. It's already affecting some major organisations, such as the UK's NHS.

Lock down your PCs now and update any anti-ransomeware programs you have. Better safe than sorry as they say.


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on May 12, 2017

From the BBC...

http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-39901382

The Uk, Portugal, US, China, Russia just to name a few. Ongoing and the numbers growing. Hold on to your skivvies boys and girls. 

on May 12, 2017

People who create and spread such things should be castrated... starting the incision somewhere around about the larynx.

Things like this annoy the heck out of me, so hopefully the perps are caught and dealt the severest penalties and then some.

on May 12, 2017

Before locking them down, make sure you make a current backup.

And thanks, Fuzzy.   

on May 13, 2017

For whatever it's worth. BitDefender just sent this to me via email. Been using it for many years.                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Don't worry about world's most advanced piece of ransomware. We've got your back!
Bitdefender's advanced detection technologies have blocked WannaCry from the very beginning

on May 13, 2017

As a BD user, that's good to know.  I understand it was propagated by email attachments; if so, should be avoidable with appropriate email discipline & hygiene.

on May 13, 2017

Stopped by a UK researcher at a cost of £8...

on May 13, 2017

Interesting it had a 'kill switch'.

on May 13, 2017

It has been alleged that WannaCry originated as an NSA exploit. If so very sloppy.

on May 13, 2017

I've since learned that email was not a vector.  Method of transmission isn't clear so far; at least isn't clearly explained by BitDefender's notification.

on May 14, 2017

OK, I was right. There is a second variant because the first's spread was stopped by that registering of the website.

So, now there's a second one, and I'm pretty sure there's no quick fix. So do your updates and as for emails, I wouldn't advise opening any attachments.

http://www.timesofisrael.com/in-israel-cyber-experts-joined-forces-to-help-foil-massive-assault/

 

on May 14, 2017

I'm reading conflicting accounts as to the vector.  Some still say email attachment.  Follow Doc's advice.

on May 14, 2017

I got more spam in my inbox than my spam folder. Nearly 1 in 10 I get from Make Use Of has an attachment. Delete...delete...delete. 

on May 14, 2017

I don't get spam in my inbox very often, but I do get some in my junk folder on a daily basis. Most of it is unsolicited and therefore is instantly deleted.  If I didn't ask for it, I'm not interested.  I'm still careful about opening attachments with the remaining emails, but I do get the occasional notification of a transaction [and/or receipt] go into my junk folder, which I then assign to a special folder after scanning for any nasties.

I recently was getting emails from various 'women' wanting me to sign up for webcam 'performances'.  Nope, not happening, not now, not ever.  Yup, each of these emails had an attachment with the supposed details on how to see these 'women' stripping and/or performing lewd acts while naked, but I'm neither desperate or foolish enough to fall for that.

I sometimes get emails from businesses that I've dealt with before, but if I have no need to buy anything from them I just delete those as well.  It's just advertising anyhow, and I'll buy what I want/need when I'm good and ready, not because I received spam emails.

 

on May 15, 2017

Just install PopTray, do an Internet search and you'll find it easily. I have been using it for years. You can delete emails right off the server without ever opening them and many other cool features.   

on May 15, 2017

This just in from RnD: [with my special thanks, Jim]

http://mashable.com/2017/05/13/microsoft-windows-wannacrypt/?utm_cid=hp-r-1#Y4ZGsH0K1mq5

 

Ms has decided to be really nice and"

"Late Friday, the company posted an official notice on its site regarding the update as well as general guidance regarding the WannaCrypt attack. The update covers users on Windows XP, Windows 8, and Windows Server 2003 (the attack didn't target Windows 10, according to Microsoft). Additionally, Microsoft advises users to "use vigilance when opening documents from untrusted or unknown sources." All the way back to Windows XP, a version of Windows Microsoft stopped supporting several years ago.

 

This update is particularly noteworthy because the patch goes all the way back toWindows XP, a version of Windows Microsoft stopped supporting several years ago. Regarding that unusual move, Microsoft's blog post states, "This decision was made based on an assessment of this situation, with the principle of protecting our customer ecosystem overall, firmly in mind." - linked article above

 

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