Windows XP Machines are at a Risk of Ransomware – Upgrade Now!
Recent Ransomware attacks on the NHS highlight the need for businesses to ensure that all their Windows XP systems are upgraded.
Last week the NHS was attacked by a vicious strain of Ransomware which shut off services to hospitals and clinics throughout the region and the world.
The breach is due to the NHS using outdated operating systems that are no longer supported by Microsoft. According to the British Medical Journal, up to 90% of NHS computers still run Windows XP and it is possible that the Ransomware got through one of these computers. This meltdown illustrates the deeper problems inherent in Windows XP’s prevalence three years after its initial demise.
Any computer today running Windows XP is extremely vulnerable and its only going to get worse!
We strongly advise that if you have any computers, laptops or even epos systems running Windows XP, that these are upgraded as soon as possible.
If you would like more information or are concerned about whether your business is still using Windows XP please contact us on 01392 824 022 or email info@amesolutions.co.uk.
How can you tell if a computer has been infected with Ransomware or Wanna Decrypt?
The Ransomware called Wanna Decrypt also known as WannaCry, encrypts files on the machine and effectively locks the machine.
It is distributed through spam emails and fake ads, which trick users into downloading the virus onto their computer. It preys on machines using outdated software.
It then sets about creating encrypted copies of files on the victim’s computer, and deleting the originals, leaving the victim with only the encrypted copies, which cannot be accessed without a decryption key.
A ransom note then appears on the victims screen, demanding money in exchange for revealing the decryption key and restoring access to the affected files.
The Ransomware is believed to be self-propagating, meaning that once it is downloaded onto one machine it can spread laterally to other vulnerable computers on the network.
What do you need to do now?
UPGRADE TO WINDOWS 10
The first step would be to upgrade to the new Microsoft Windows 10 right away. This can be done by purchasing Windows 10, however the software is unlikely to be able to run on your existing old hardware, therefore we would recommend that these machines are replaced.
ENSURE PATCHES AND UPDATES ARE INSTALLED
The risk of being effected by Ransomware can also be reduced significantly by taking the usual computer security steps, such as ensuring patches and updates are installed when they are made available.
ANTI-VIRUS SOLUTIONS
Ensure that you have a comprehensive Anti-Virus solution in place to help prevent virus and malicious software effecting your systems.
RANSOMWARE PROTECTION FROM SOPHOS – INTERCEPTX
To stay secure against Ransomware you need to have effective protection in place at every stage of an attack. Starting at the endpoint the unique CryptoGuard technology, available in Sophos Intercept X lets you stop Ransomware attacks in their tracks. CryptoGuard works on your endpoints and servers, detecting and stopping ransomware from encrypting your files. It complements your existing security, blocking processes that attempt to make unauthorised modifications to your data.
Need more help? Contact Us
If you are concerned that your business might be vulnerable to Ransomware threats, or you would like to discuss upgrading your XP machines and purchasing the latest security software please contact us on:
Phone: 01392 824 022
Email: info@amesolutions.co.uk
Web Enquiry: Contact Us
Recent Ransomware attacks on the NHS highlight the need for businesses to ensure that all their Windows XP systems are upgraded.
Last week the NHS was attacked by a vicious strain of Ransomware which shut off services to hospitals and clinics throughout the region and the world.
The breach is due to the NHS using outdated operating systems that are no longer supported by Microsoft. According to the British Medical Journal, up to 90% of NHS computers still run Windows XP and it is possible that the Ransomware got through one of these computers. This meltdown illustrates the deeper problems inherent in Windows XP’s prevalence three years after its initial demise.
Any computer today running Windows XP is extremely vulnerable and its only going to get worse!
We strongly advise that if you have any computers, laptops or even epos systems running Windows XP, that these are upgraded as soon as possible.
If you would like more information or are concerned about whether your business is still using Windows XP please contact us on 01392 824 022 or email info@amesolutions.co.uk.
How can you tell if a computer has been infected with Ransomware or Wanna Decrypt?
The Ransomware called Wanna Decrypt also known as WannaCry, encrypts files on the machine and effectively locks the machine.
It is distributed through spam emails and fake ads, which trick users into downloading the virus onto their computer. It preys on machines using outdated software.
It then sets about creating encrypted copies of files on the victim’s computer, and deleting the originals, leaving the victim with only the encrypted copies, which cannot be accessed without a decryption key.
A ransom note then appears on the victims screen, demanding money in exchange for revealing the decryption key and restoring access to the affected files.
The Ransomware is believed to be self-propagating, meaning that once it is downloaded onto one machine it can spread laterally to other vulnerable computers on the network.
What do you need to do now?
UPGRADE TO WINDOWS 10
The first step would be to upgrade to the new Microsoft Windows 10 right away. This can be done by purchasing Windows 10, however the software is unlikely to be able to run on your existing old hardware, therefore we would recommend that these machines are replaced.
ENSURE PATCHES AND UPDATES ARE INSTALLED
The risk of being effected by Ransomware can also be reduced significantly by taking the usual computer security steps, such as ensuring patches and updates are installed when they are made available.
ANTI-VIRUS SOLUTIONS
Ensure that you have a comprehensive Anti-Virus solution in place to help prevent virus and malicious software effecting your systems.
RANSOMWARE PROTECTION FROM SOPHOS – INTERCEPTX
To stay secure against Ransomware you need to have effective protection in place at every stage of an attack. Starting at the endpoint the unique CryptoGuard technology, available in Sophos Intercept X lets you stop Ransomware attacks in their tracks. CryptoGuard works on your endpoints and servers, detecting and stopping ransomware from encrypting your files. It complements your existing security, blocking processes that attempt to make unauthorised modifications to your data.
Need more help? Contact Us
If you are concerned that your business might be vulnerable to Ransomware threats, or you would like to discuss upgrading your XP machines and purchasing the latest security software please contact us on:
Phone: 01392 824 022
Email: info@amesolutions.co.uk
Web Enquiry: Contact Us