It seems like everywhere I go this week, from my dentist’s office to baseball practice, people are talking about “the worm.” Everyone wants to know how to stay protected.
If you’ve been out of the loop, unknown hackers recently carried out one of the largest cyberattacks in history, a ransomware worm called WannaCry. This attack locked up more than 200,000 computers across 150 countries, spreading rapidly via email.
WannaCry targeted Microsoft Windows systems and was allegedly built using tools stolen from the National Security Agency (NSA). Once it infected a computer or server, it encrypted all files, rendering them inaccessible. Victims were then instructed to pay hundreds of dollars in ransom to unlock their data.
For businesses, attacks like this are especially dangerous. It only takes one employee clicking the wrong link for ransomware to spread across an entire network, often without any further user action.
The first line of defense is education. Be cautious of unexpected emails and attachments, especially from unknown senders. Teach your team to think before they click, awareness is your best protection against ransomware
Next, make sure your servers and computers are fully updated.
The good news is that Microsoft quickly released a security update to protect against WannaCry. If you’re using their free antivirus and have Windows Update enabled, you should already be covered.
However, systems with inconsistent patching or outdated operating systems are still vulnerable. In response, Microsoft took the “highly unusual” step of releasing public patches for older versions, including:
If your business still runs any of these systems, apply these updates immediately.
Always maintain secure, off-network backups of your critical data. Backups should be stored in a separate location, not easily accessible from your main network, and tested regularly to ensure they can be restored when needed.
A reliable data backup and recovery plan can be the difference between a minor disruption and a full-blown crisis.
If you suspect or detect an attack early, disconnect and power down the infected computer immediately.
Ignore any warnings from the ransomware telling you not to disconnect or shut down, unplugging may save some of your files. Once isolated, remove the affected system from the network and contact your IT provider or cybersecurity team right away.
WannaCry was ultimately stopped by a security researcher who discovered that the malware was trying to connect to an unregistered domain. By purchasing that domain, he unknowingly triggered a built-in “kill switch” effectively halting the global spread.
However, the story doesn’t end there. Variants of WannaCry and similar ransomware threats continue to emerge. That’s why it’s critical to stay vigilant, keep systems patched, and maintain regular security reviews.
Ransomware isn’t going away, but with smart habits and proactive measures, you can dramatically reduce your risk.
Datotel is here to help businesses stay secure and resilient in an evolving threat landscape.