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General discussion

what is the Ransomware | how to protcect Ransomware virus

May 22, 2017 10:15PM PDT

Recently, a virus attack on 12 May 2017 which name is Ransomware. I want to discuss my topic Ransomware virus & how it effected to our computer. According to worldwide this virus damaged 200000 computers are damaged & stolen data.

Discussion is locked

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Ransomware
May 23, 2017 3:29AM PDT

If your talking about wannacry.
This bug effected folks running an unsupported OS or an unpatched OS.
Meaning a self induced problem.

Run a supported OS and keep it patched.

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That one was too easy.
May 23, 2017 7:09AM PDT

The OS in question had patches issued before the outbreak. It's much more interesting to learn why the owners did not patch the OS. They had plenty of time but didn't.

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Protection
May 23, 2017 3:00PM PDT
Avast protected over 250,000 users who were exposed to a WannaCry variant. Due to our machine learning and AI (as well as other technology) we were detecting it and its variants early on.


More info in our official blog
Happy

In other words, yes, there is software that can help prevent infection, but our threat labs urges users to use a layered security approach as well as keep systems patched and up to date (as other posters mentioned)
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nothing is 100 percent effective
May 23, 2017 3:23PM PDT

imo, the best thing you can do is to run an antivirus, a companion utility for malware, an adblocker and the latest operating system. In addition keep everything updated. Most important of all, practice safe surfin by following all the basic rules. Nothing will protect your computer from that one wrong mouse click.

why do some not keep their os updated - because updates have been known not to play well with some hardware, software, and external connected equipment. the latter is why a lot of hospitals do not update.

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WannaCry Decryption
Jun 15, 2017 3:08AM PDT

Just reposting this information here, in case someone needs it:

So now there is a possibility to unlock files encrypted by WannaCry ransomware
using a free decryption program

https://blog.malwarebytes.com/cybercrime/2017/05/wannadecrypt-your-files/

http://thehackernews.com/2017/05/wannacry-ransomware-decryption-tool.html

https://malwareless.com/free-wannacry-ransomware-decryption-tool-unlock-files-without-paying-ransom/

The decryptor is only going to work if you haven't killed the ransomware process (should be wnry.exe or
or wcry.exe) in Task Manager.

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Ransomware/Backups
Jun 28, 2017 12:08PM PDT

If I make a backup of all relevant files (excluding the OS) to a separate drive and/or cloud and my computer somehow falls victim to ransomware, can I still access viable files from the backups? I'd assume I'd have to first a) clean the infected machine or b) access the files from an uninfected machine.

Can anyone answer this? I know what ransomware is but honestly don't know the answer to this. I'm pretty religious about backups.

Thanks in advance to any/all answers.

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Actually I have ways. More than one.
Jun 28, 2017 12:14PM PDT

My favorite tools to access my external drive without worry is a bootable Live OS. I have more than what I list here and so I'll name a few then give a link to my advice over a decade ago.

I'll boot up TAILS, Ubuntu, Puppy or other to get at the infected PC without fear or to copy files out/in.
More at http://tips.oncomputers.info/archives2004/0401/2004-Jan-11.htm

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Yes...
Jun 28, 2017 4:23PM PDT

If you're only referring to "files", if they are saved to a location other than your computer (a disconnected external drive would be best), then they will be safe. "Cleaning the infected machine" means you wipe the drive and reinstall the operating system so all infected files are gone. Either that, you reinstall a clean image of the drive which would install the operating system, programs, and all files.

Hope this helps.

Grif

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how to protect your PC from Ransome virus
Aug 4, 2017 4:39AM PDT

The Ransomware software is getting popular due to its criminal purposes. As hackers used WanaCry Software to hack world wide computers, laptops and important things. In this software, hackers lock down your computer and demand huge and heavy amount from the computer owner. These hackers hack many big companies servers and computers. The Important thing they do is that they demand money in bitcoins the crypto currency. To protect your PC you should use your the well reputed Anti- Virus.