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Alert

Global Ransomware Attack Occurring NOW

May 12, 2017 8:15PM PDT
A massive ransomware attack spread across the globe today (May 12), with reports of computer systems being locked up in Russia, Western Europe, East Asia and North America. British hospitals and a Spanish telecom were the most visible victims, but the largest number of attacks seemed to be in Russia.

http://www.tomsguide.com/us/global-ransomware-attack,news-25079.html

Bob Proffitt has started a thread in the "Computer Help" forum about this evolving ransomware attack. Read about it in the link below:

https://www.cnet.com/forums/discussions/thanks-nsa-for-wcrypt-ransomware/

Most importantly, this is a Windows only problem and as long as you've got your computer patched with the most recent Windows Updates, you're good. Also be sure to update your antivirus definitions if you haven't already done so.

Hope this helps.

Grif

Post was last edited on May 12, 2017 8:17 PM PDT

Discussion is locked

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Yup
May 12, 2017 10:42PM PDT

As long as folks can't be bothered to do basic maintenance on their machine this sort of thing will be very successful.

It will happen again in the future.

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BIG NEWS. Microsoft to patch older Windows versions.
May 13, 2017 9:05AM PDT

Just quotes and links here.
"Before Friday's attack, Microsoft had made fixes for older systems, such as 2001's Windows XP, available only to mostly larger organizations that paid extra for extended technical support. Microsoft says now it will make the fixes free for everyone."
http://www.tucsonnewsnow.com/story/35420604/huge-cyberattack-forces-microsoft-to-offer-free-tech-fix

"Microsoft quickly changed its policy and announced that it will make security fixes available for free for older Windows systems, which are still used by millions of individuals and smaller businesses."
https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/uk-working-restore-hospital-systems-cyberattack-094439664--finance.html

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Additional info
May 15, 2017 11:57AM PDT
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Global Ransomware Attack
May 16, 2017 1:02AM PDT

The only way out is to update your system. If your personal computer or office system is running on an older version then you are at serious risk. Don’t open emails form suspicious email address. The feature that sets Wannacry apart for other malware is it spread in a local network system without any interaction, the way out is immediately disconnect LAN cable once you know server is effected.
People who got affected form this virus are in search for a solution, but truly speaking there is no solution. The data is gone, but for the next time you create backup files, an updated operating system and a perfect software regime including VPN and Antiviruses to secure you system.
In my case i was using ivacy and norton antivirus with windows 10 as operating system. My system didn't catch the virus as it was highly guarded.

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CNET Info on WannaCry ransomware FAQ & How to
May 16, 2017 10:16AM PDT