Jim Winsett of the BBB. Q. This last Ransomware attack on computers has me concerned. What advice might BBB provide to avoid the issue?
A. A major ransomware attack was unleashed worldwide last Friday, infecting at least 75,000 computers in 99 countries, according to preliminary reports. The ransomware locked computers and networks using file encryption software, and demanded payment by Bitcoin (a non-traceable crypto-currency) to release the data.
The attack typically enters through a phishing email and then spreads to other machines on the same network by exploiting vulnerability in Microsoft Windows. Although Microsoft discovered the vulnerability and released a patch in March, many computer users do not regularly update their operating systems and may have missed the critical repair.
Better Business Bureau joins with the National Cyber Security Alliance in suggesting the following cyber hygiene defenses:
Don’t click on links from unfamiliar sources. Even if you think you know the sender, be cautious about clicking on email links. When in doubt, delete it. Be especially wary of messages requiring you to act quickly, asking for personal information, or threatening you in any way.