Ransomware Archives

15 ways to protect your company from Ransomware attacks

Recent ransomware attacks and security breaches are detrimental to an organization's business data, and reputation. Ransomware attacks are not new, but the rate at which they are occurring in the United States is radically increasing. Ransomware attacks are up 365% according to TechRepublic. What are ransomware attacks? Ransomware is a type of cyberattack wherein an organization or individual threatened for money. The attacker threatens to publish the victim's personal or corporate data or permanently block access to it until a ransom is paid—usually via a cryptocurrency like Bitcoin. Other recent variants include cutting off access to utilities, internet access, oil pipelines, and corporate intranets. Can you refuse to pay ransomware? The US government prefers you to refuse to pay cybercriminals. The more we see companies pay these criminals, the more they are encouraged to continue. Ransomware isn't just some guy calling you up and threatening you. The attack happens quietly ...

Red Level2023-02-16T16:01:19+00:00

Ransomware Attack at MSU: Keep your company safe

While we're all focused on working through COVID in the real world, hackers are working their nefarious scams in the virtual world. Their latest target is close to home – Michigan State University. A ransomware attack infected MSU yesterday stealing student data, files, and financial information. Red Level has solutions to protect your clients, data, and reputation, but there are also several simple things you can do to stay safe: Apply patches and updates. Ensure that systems are up to date and that all software updates are installed. Double-check email addresses. Watch for unfamiliar names and domains, as well as ‘spoofed’ accounts pretending to be trusted contacts. Think before clicking. Don’t click or download suspicious or unexpected attachments, or visit unfamiliar links. Use proactive protection. Install and use the latest antivirus and anti-malware software available. Keep regular backups. Maintain a regular offsite backup schedule and implement a disaster recovery plan. Modernize ...

Red Level2023-02-16T16:01:22+00:00

PETYA RANSOMWARE: A New Threat To ‘Cry’ About – and a Simple Prevention Tip

It was only a month ago that I wrote in this space about the world’s lucky sidestep of the intended havoc mounted by the WannaCry ransomware attack. As our clients and regular readers of this site know, Red Level takes the ransomware menace very seriously: The damage and the expense such exploits cause is real and considerable, the potential negative impact they pose is increasing, and the exact nature of the threat is constantly changing. For IT professionals, WannaCry, Cryptolocker and their fellow travelers are a continual source of aggravation, unease, and extra work. We know we can’t afford to be complacent, even for a moment. That’s why we were unhappy, but unsurprised, to learn of the new problems caused by Petya, a ransomware variant currently wreaking havoc in Europe, Australia, and in at least one US hospital. Like WannaCry and Cryptolocker before it, Petya functions by unbreakably ...

Red Level2023-02-16T16:01:44+00:00

#WANNACRY: A Happy Accident Is ‘Holding Back The Tears’ – For Now

An unfortunate truth about computer security is that would-be hackers only have to be lucky once, but data security specialists have to be lucky always. Today, it’s looking like we’re very lucky indeed – if only for the moment. If you’ve been following the stories (and the near-panic) surrounding the #WannaCry ransomware attack and have been concerned about your own systems’ potential vulnerability, the good news is that a British malware specialist’s quick thinking and good luck seems to have bought you some time. For those who don’t know, #WannaCry is a particularly malignant bit of malware currently being spread through some highly sophisticated phishing emails. When these are read and acted upon, they trigger the download of an application that proceeds to encrypt a computer’s contents and demand a 300 Euro ($329) ransom, payable in Bitcoin, for the favor of decryption. Here’s what’s made #WannaCry really worth crying about. Firstly, ...

Red Level2023-02-16T16:01:45+00:00

5 Tips for Avoiding the Wannacry Ransomware Attack

Robert Tessanne2023-02-16T16:01:45+00:00

Massive Cyber Attack Moving Quick

As reported by USA Today, as many as 74 countries have been hit by a massive cyber attack. The attack has left hospitals, telecoms, universities and others locked out of their files. The attack is a variation of ransomware that is requiring money/bitcoin to retrieve their files. It hasn't hit Michigan or Detroit yet, but it might not be long before it does. This isn't the first of its kind and certainly won't be the last. But there are things you can do to help prevent becoming a victim of ransomware: Don't open emails from people or companies that you don't know. Don't click on any links or open any attachments with suspicious names. Do use the latest anti-virus and malware software available. Do update your systems with the latest software and patches. Check out our upcoming webinar on mobile security to see how we can help you keep your data ...

Red Level2023-02-16T16:01:45+00:00