The rise of "Ransomware", has been steadily growing and the most recent spread of the ransomware identified by the names WannaCry, WannaCrypt, WanaCrypt0r 2.0 and Wanna Decryptor is BIG!
If you're not familiar with Ransomware, you should be. It's a very disruptive and costly threat if you have no protected backup to recover from. Ransomware is malicious software that extorts victims by encrypting ALL files on their system and demanding payment to release the key necessary to decrypt user files and regain access. The victims are threatened with permanent loss of access to their files if they fail to pay-up within a typically short time frame.
If you're not familiar with Ransomware, you should be. It's a very disruptive and costly threat if you have no protected backup to recover from. Ransomware is malicious software that extorts victims by encrypting ALL files on their system and demanding payment to release the key necessary to decrypt user files and regain access. The victims are threatened with permanent loss of access to their files if they fail to pay-up within a typically short time frame.
Widespread Damage
The researcher who inadvertently activated a kill switch that stopped the spread of the ransomeware virus said in a quote from The Guardian, “This is not over. The attackers will realise how we stopped it, they’ll change the code and then they’ll start again." No one should get too comfortable.
Preventing Ransomware Attacks
Windows users:
If you're running Windows on a PC make sure you're have the latest critical updates installed, you are running anti-virus software AND anti-malware software.
We suggest Google Chrome as a web browser to reduce the risk of system wide infections executed through browser code.
To check if Windows auto update is enabled:
Start > Control Panel > System & Security > Windows Update
Macintosh users:
If you're a Macintosh user, make sure you're up-to-date with the latest MacOS security updates. Even though this particular ransomeware virus does not apply to Macintosh computers, there is no guarantee a previously undiscovered vulnerability in the MacOS won't also be found and exploited in future attacks. If you are using a Macintosh operating system older than 10.9, you are at risk of many type of attacks and should update your operating system if possible. If the computer does not support MacOS 10.9 or later, it's time to upgrade.
We suggest Google Chrome as a web browser to reduce the risk of system wide infections executed through browser code.
To check MacOS is up-to-date:
Apple Menu > About This Mac > Software Update...
Backup properly - Not to a USB Flash Drive
As always, after updating the operating system and any applicable protection software, the best line of defense is a complete backup of your computer.
Macintosh users should utilize the built-in Time Machine backup software. With the exception of a few system settings, Apple Time Machine can restore your Mac or migrate to a new one as if nothing had changed. In the case of a new computer, you get the benefits of the latest OS, with all your existing files and programs intact, and exactly where you left them.
Windows users have many choices, but we prefer Acronis True Image for it's ability to return the system to a state where it would seem nothing had ever happened, and for painless migrations to new machines when it's time.
While any backup at all is a good backup, redundant backups are always better. Ransomware can often attack ALL drives that are attached and mapped to the operating system. Keeping data on a separate drive that is not connected is one method, but the problem we see often is, people forget to plug it in, so their backups are out of date. A single backup drive is also a risk when it's used for double purpose. We see this often with laptops that don't have enough storage space. Data, photos and videos end up on the backup drive because it has lots of free space, but then it's only in one place.
Drive failure is also a very real risk. It's a great feeling when we're able to recover data from a hard drive that has started to malfunction. Our clients are happy and that make us feel great too. Unfortunately in some cases, it's not possible.
To check if Windows auto update is enabled:
Start > Control Panel > System & Security > Windows Update
Macintosh users:
If you're a Macintosh user, make sure you're up-to-date with the latest MacOS security updates. Even though this particular ransomeware virus does not apply to Macintosh computers, there is no guarantee a previously undiscovered vulnerability in the MacOS won't also be found and exploited in future attacks. If you are using a Macintosh operating system older than 10.9, you are at risk of many type of attacks and should update your operating system if possible. If the computer does not support MacOS 10.9 or later, it's time to upgrade.
We suggest Google Chrome as a web browser to reduce the risk of system wide infections executed through browser code.
To check MacOS is up-to-date:
Apple Menu > About This Mac > Software Update...
As always, after updating the operating system and any applicable protection software, the best line of defense is a complete backup of your computer.
Macintosh users should utilize the built-in Time Machine backup software. With the exception of a few system settings, Apple Time Machine can restore your Mac or migrate to a new one as if nothing had changed. In the case of a new computer, you get the benefits of the latest OS, with all your existing files and programs intact, and exactly where you left them.
Windows users have many choices, but we prefer Acronis True Image for it's ability to return the system to a state where it would seem nothing had ever happened, and for painless migrations to new machines when it's time.
Backing up is more important than ever before!
Drive failure is also a very real risk. It's a great feeling when we're able to recover data from a hard drive that has started to malfunction. Our clients are happy and that make us feel great too. Unfortunately in some cases, it's not possible.
With drives that won't spin up or with some solid state hard drive failures, the only choice is an expensive recovery service. Expect companies that specialize in data recovery to charge anywhere from $500 for just a small amount of your data to $1000 or much more, depending on how much data has to be recovered and how difficult the steps required are to get it back.
Don't fall into the trap of not backing up because it's inconvenient. If you know you're not disciplined enough, don't have the time, or simply don't want to spend a lot of time manually duplicating backups, take action and get a reliable automated solution. It's painful when we can't recover a drive that had our client's family photos on it, but we know our pain is nothing compared to what they are feeling. Most can't afford to take their faulty hard drive to one of the expensive recovery services, so it makes sense to invest in comparatively inexpensive automated backup solutions
Theft and fire are also very real risks. When a client recently came to us with the news of a stolen laptop and a single backup drive that could not be accessed, we were happy the story ended well and we were able to recover the 5 years of data they had backed up on that hard drive. They made the smart choice of purchasing a Synology NAS (Network Attached Storage) drive after that experience.
In March 2017, we wrote about the benefits of a NAS (Network Attached Storage) drive to reduce dependency on cloud backups, but these devices are also capable of automatic redundant system backups, including one of them on a cloud drive for automatic off-site backup.
Synology NAS drives can also be configured to keep an external backup drive off-line and only connect it when it performs a backup of your backup files in the middle of the night. When the backup is complete, the drive ejects until the next backup. This is a great way to keep backed up files secure from many type of ransomware attacks.
If you are not regularly backing up your system, photos and videos on three different physical drives (one of them off-site), ask us about a Synology NAS for your home or business. We can provide a free quote for automatic worry-free file backup. Your system can even backup via a wireless connection where appropriate.
Please reach out to us and we'll help you choose the right fit for your home or business. Ask us about free demonstrations so you'll know you're getting the right solution before you buy.
Image courtesy of thanunkorn/Freedigitalphotos.net
If you have data in just one place, you are at risk
Three backup are best - One off-site
Theft and fire are also very real risks. When a client recently came to us with the news of a stolen laptop and a single backup drive that could not be accessed, we were happy the story ended well and we were able to recover the 5 years of data they had backed up on that hard drive. They made the smart choice of purchasing a Synology NAS (Network Attached Storage) drive after that experience.
In March 2017, we wrote about the benefits of a NAS (Network Attached Storage) drive to reduce dependency on cloud backups, but these devices are also capable of automatic redundant system backups, including one of them on a cloud drive for automatic off-site backup.
Synology NAS drives can also be configured to keep an external backup drive off-line and only connect it when it performs a backup of your backup files in the middle of the night. When the backup is complete, the drive ejects until the next backup. This is a great way to keep backed up files secure from many type of ransomware attacks.
If you are not regularly backing up your system, photos and videos on three different physical drives (one of them off-site), ask us about a Synology NAS for your home or business. We can provide a free quote for automatic worry-free file backup. Your system can even backup via a wireless connection where appropriate.
Image courtesy of thanunkorn/Freedigitalphotos.net
