A ransomware attack is currently infecting computers all over the world on a massive scale. This malware infects computers and encrypts all the data, making the computers unusable. The hackers then demand that $300 be paid in Bitcoin to unencrypt the system. It must be paid within 3 days or the data is lost forever. The map above shows the spread of the infection around the world.
The reason the ransom is so low is to ensure the money gets paid. How many of you would pay that amount rather than lose your data and have to start all over again?
The good news is that Microsoft has issued patches for all Windows computers that protects against it. They even issued one for Windows XP which is no longer an active product for Microsoft and has not been patched for some time.
Sources say that the attack virus comes from a government agency, probably the NSA, if you can believe that. They stockpile computer flaws without telling anyone. Apparently someone stole this one and sent it out.
We first heard about it when several hospitals in the UK were shutdown. Soon, it spread to banks, phone companies, airlines, and other businesses. They were hit because they were running old versions of Windows and their IT departments did not keep up with security patches.
So be sure and read our 5th story about how you can protect yourself against these ransomware attacks. I also recommend you make a complete system backup on a portable drive, then disconnect it from the computer. This will allow you to restore your computer without paying any ransom. Just a thought. -JRC
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