Arm your PC against the global NotPetya ransomware attack with these easy tips

To see the tips on protecting your PC, you have to click on the "Read More" block at the end of the page.

https://www.yahoo.com/tech/notpetya-ransomware-global-epidemic-protect-221352229.html

[Digital Trends]
Kevin Parrish
Digital TrendsJune 28, 2017

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What systems are at risk?

For now, the NotPetya ransomware seems to be focused on attacking Windows-based PCs in organizations. For example, the entire radiation monitoring system located in the Chernobyl nuclear power plant was knocked offline in the attack. Here in the United States, the attack hit the entire Heritage Valley Health System, affecting all facilities that rely on the network, including the Beaver and Sewickley hospitals in Pennsylvania. The Kiev Boryspil Airport in the Ukraine suffered flight schedule delays, and its website was knocked offline due to the attack.

Unfortunately, there’s no information pointing to the exact versions of Windows the NotPetya ransomware is targeting. Microsoft’s security report doesn’t list specific Windows releases, although to be safe, customers should assume that all commercial and mainstream releases of Windows spanning Windows XP to Windows 10 fall within the attack window. After all, even WannaCry targeted machines with Windows XP installed.

How do you protect yourself against it?

Microsoft has already issued updates blocking the EternalBlue and EternalRomance exploits used by this latest malware outbreak. Microsoft addressed both on March 14, 2017, with the release of security update MS17-010. That was more than three months ago, meaning companies attacked by NotPetya through this exploit have yet to update their PCs. Microsoft suggests that customers install security update MS17-010 immediately, if they haven’t done so already.

Installing the security update is the most effective way to protect your PC

[See the article for more info on protecting against the virus.]

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