On May 12, 2017 a new strain of the Ransom.CryptXXX (WannaCry) strain of ransomware began spreading widely impacting a large number of organizations, particularly in Europe. This virus specifically targets Microsoft Windows computers.
A hacking tool known as Eternal Blue, developed by US CIA has been enhanced by the hackers to super-charge an existing form of ransomware known as WannaCry, three senior cyber security analysts said.
Wcry is demanding a ransom of $300 to $600 in Bitcoin to be paid by May 15, or, in the event that deadline is missed, a higher fee by May 19. The messages left on the screen say files will remain encrypted. It’s not yet clear if there are flaws in the encryption scheme that might allow the victims to restore the files without paying the ransom.
If you have yet to install the Microsoft fix—MS17-010— you should do so immediately. You should also be extremely suspicious of all e-mails you receive, particularly those that ask the recipient to open attached documents or click on Web links.
If you are an existing client of ours on our Managed Services Platform, you would have already received the fix through your weekly patching cycle, If not please check with your IT and or Security provider to ensure you are covered
Read Reuters Article : http://www.reuters.com/article/us-britain-security-hospitals-idUSKBN18820S
Apple Update Leaves Users One-Step Forward & One Step Back
Latest Update Includes KRACK Patch but Comes Alongside News of iOS Zero-day Vulnerability On November 1st, 2017, Apple released its latest stream of updates for a variety of devices and programs across its product line. First and foremost, the update has a number of...
New York State Finance and Insurance Companies Are You Up-to-Speed on the Latest State Cybersecurity Regulations?
The New York State Department of Financial Services (NYSDFS) has issued an updated version of its proposed Cybersecurity Requirements for Financial Services Companies, known as 23 NYCRR 500. The recently unveiled regulation update comes following the mandates original...
Business in the Age of Cyber Attacks: Outsmarting Criminals with Robust Security Strategies
It’s no longer surprising to know that we live in a world where business networks are constantly at risk and under attack. With cybercriminals getting more organized and sophisticated, no company is safe from the potentially catastrophic impacts of a network breach or...