Ransomware Alert: ‘Petya’ Wreaking Havoc
If the recent ‘Wannacry’ Ransomware didn’t get you thinking about your cyber security, ‘Petya’ will!
WHAT IS PETYA?
Overnight, reports have emerged of a new cyber attack, ‘Petya’, causing major havoc across the globe including here in Australia where Mondelez have been forced to close their Hobart Cadbury factory due to infection by the ransomware. ‘Petya’, similar to the recent ‘WannaCry’ virus, preys on Microsoft Windows vulnerabilities and encrypts and locks files on a computer when the user opens an infected file or URL received via email. The virus then spreads across the network and demands a ransom sum to be paid in Bitcoin to retrieve the files.
THE BAD NEWS
This Ransomware is believed to be targeting both businesses and individuals, if you are not currently protected by Sophos Intercept X (business customers only) or Sophos Home Premium Beta you could be at risk.
3. Back up your data regularly and keep a recent backup copy off-site. There are dozens of ways other than Ransomware that files can suddenly vanish, such as fire, flood, theft, a dropped laptop or even an accidental delete. Encrypt your backup and you won’t have to worry about the backup device falling into the wrong hands.
4.Avoid opening attachments in emails from recipients you don’t know, even if you work in HR or accounts and you use attachments a lot in your job.
5. Download the free trial of Sophos Intercept X and, for home (non-business) users, register for the free Sophos Home Premium Beta, which prevents Ransomware by blocking the unauthorised encryption of files and sectors on your hard disk.
3. To protect against JavaScript attachments, tell Explorer to open .JS files with Notepad.
4. To protect against misleading filenames, tell Explorer to show file extensions.
08 7324 7777 (ext 3) or email us today.
Kind regards,
The Blackbird IT Team
3 Boskenna Avenue
Norwood SA 5067
Ph: (08) 7324 7777
