Another Worldwide Ransomware Attack – and It’s Spreading Rapidly
Johannesburg: 27 June 2017 A cyber –attack of seismic proportions has hit Europe, this time bigger and more devastating than the WannaCry virus that spread across continent at the beginning of May 2017.
The ransomware virus a new variant of old code Petya, is set to inflict overwhelming damage to businesses and is a more-potent version of ransomware WannaCry virus that started circulating recently. The attack seems to have originated in Russia according to experts.
British advertising firm WPP, the Ukrainian government, Russian oil companies, companies in Norway, Russia, Denmark and France, Spain, India, and the US by Tuesday afternoon have confirmed issues and were affected.
Users are being shown a message saying their data has been encrypted, with some asking for £300 in anonymous currency Bitcoin to retrieve it. Cyber security experts are recommending that those affected not pay the ransom.
The virus is spreading rapidly and without the need for human interaction, exploiting the same weakness that WannaCry used according to Cyber analysts.
Roi Shaposhnik, Head of International Sales, Secnovate recommends the following “Users should ensure that all versions of Windows are patched up to the latest version available. They should disable the outdated protocol SMBv1 and isolate unpatched systems from the larger network.”
Shaposhnik adds “Don’t add “Push alerts on updates, but rather carry these out yourself. He also suggests that you not connect to a Public Hotspot, if you do, not to register your password or personal information.”
About Secnovate
Secnovate is a Cyber Security Services and Solutions provider, offering a full range of both Turn-key and Tailor-made solutions. Please visit our website at www.gnlcyber.com for more information.
The Company has access to an extensive network of both global and local knowledge and capabilities able to assess and mitigate the ever-growing and ever-present cyber threat, and deliver unique value to our customers across all industries and business sectors.
The Company offers field proven concepts and solutions, developed by leading experts, to address real-world threats, today and in the future.
We know and understand cyber threats and associated challenges and have successfully delivered projects to secure large installations, maintaining their safety and operations throughout.
Our portfolio of solutions includes:
- System health assessments:
Providing a variety of options to assess system vulnerabilities both from the outside world and from within the organizations, and advise management on the nature and extent of system vulnerabilities and mitigation approaches available.
- Security solutions and interventions:
Independent, non-product aligned advice on best-in-class security solutions based on comprehensive vulnerability testing.
- Training and Awareness:
Offering a comprehensive portfolio of awareness and training options – from awareness presentations on cyber security, staff behaviour change management (specifically with respect to phishing threats), skills development for IT practitioners (including simulation of cyber-attacks and mitigation approaches) and crisis management for company executives.
- Security Operations Centre (SOC)
Providing 24/7 client network monitoring, Incident Response and First Responder Support.
Our core competency revolves around sourcing globally available best-in-class cyber solutions and applying these in the South African (and African) market context.
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