Cyberattacks and Ransomware

   By now, I would guess most of us have read news of the large scale cyberattack launched a couple of days ago. The scope of the attack was staggering, affecting businesses, universities and government agencies across a wide swath of countries.  

   More information is certain to come out about this event, but a few things are now clear:

   1) This was a ransomware attack designed to garner money through illegal activity. Ransomware is a form of computer virus that encrypts files on a computer making them unusable until an encryption key is provided. That key is only available after the ransom is paid. 
   2) This ransomware virus successfully encrypted files across continents because too many institutions did not update their Windows operating system software on a timely basis. 
   3) The risk of a cyberattack is very real and demands that we remain vigilant as we use internet-connected computers at school and at home.

   For those who are interested, I've included links to 4 articles that have appeared recently. (Many more are available with a quick search if you wish to read further.) I'd especially urge you to take a look at the first link because the article concisely and clearly outlines steps you can take to protect yourself against ransomware. 
   I would also suggest you take a look at my blog post for August, 2015. At that time, GSB was attacked by a ransomware virus. The blog post discusses the nature of the virus and how we addressed the attack.  You can easily access that post by clicking on August, 2015 in this site's sidebar.

How to Protect Yourself from Ransomware
Massive Ransomware Infection Hits Computers in 99 Countries
Massive Cyberattack Targeting 99 Countries Causes Sweeping Havoc
What we Know and Don't Know About the International Cyberattack


   At school, the Windows operating system on our computers is regularly updated. Here, there is nothing you need to do in terms of updating your operating system. But clicking on suspicious links, whether at school or at home, is courting disaster. It is essential that we all use caution and common sense in the face of links and attachments in emails.  As Larry reminded me this morning, "If I didn't request it, I'm not clicking on it." 
   Keeping your Windows operating system updated on your PC is critically important as a basic step in protecting your computer files. To update Windows on your PC at home, follow the instructions below:

   1. In your computer's Control Panel, Open the System and Security section.

 

   2.  In the System and Security section, Navigate to the Windows Update section and click on "Check for Updates.

   3. You computer will then begin the process of checking for Windows updates and prompt you to install any available updates. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.