How to protect your computer from the ransomware virus Peter

Фото: Depositphotos

A new ransomware virus called Petya.A on tuesday massively attacked computers of large organizations in many countries, including the United States. Despite the fact that Petya did not hit as many computers as a virus WannaCry, it is more dangerous and can cause significant damage.

Here's how to protect yourself and your small business from viruses such as Petya.A.

Download patches

Like WannaCry, Petya.A exploits vulnerability in older systems Windows called EternalBlue. All you can do to protect yourself from these attacks is to download patches that Microsoft provides during updates. Microsoft released a patch to protect against vulnerabilities in their system Windows XP in March. Earlier this month, he released more patches for older operating systems. Windows, referring to the "increased risk of devastating cyber attacks."

If you turn on Microsoft To automatically update your computer, you must have a patch. For older versions WindowsThat Microsoft do not usually support, you can go to the website Microsoft and download the fixes needed to protect your computers, referring to the version Windowsinstalled on your computer.

Резервное копирование

You should always create backup copies in case your computer is infected with an ransomware virus. Keep copies of your files in a different location, for example, on an external hard drive or in the cloud.

Don Foster, Senior Marketing Director at a Commercial Company CommvaultIt is advised to back up data more than once a month. In the event of an attack, you can use the most updated files without paying the ransom.

Installation of security software

You must download security programs that not only fight attacks, but also inform you when there is a threat to your computer. These programs include firewalls, antivirus programs, and other security software. They can warn you if the malware is trying to encrypt your files. It's a good idea, says Bill Kelly from the group of insurers. Argo Group, because, despite the fact that you can access some of your files, these programs should protect the rest of your files.

Do not click on anything suspicious

Some of these attacks are due to phishing emails. These letters are designed so that you do not consider them suspicious. You do not understand this, install malware on your computer as soon as you open the letter. To identify such emails, pay attention to whether there is a typo in the name of the company or the person who sends you the letter.

Foster also suggests not visiting websites with illegal or suspicious activities. You can catch malware and become vulnerable without realizing it, simply by clicking a link on these sites.

Protect yourself when using public Wi-Fi

Foster suggests using VPN or a viral private network that hides your computer from users using public Wi-Fi. Using VPN will not fight with malware, but it may help you not to become the goal.

Recall due to a large-scale virus attack in Ukraine, some banks, media and government institutions stopped working.

Read also on ForumDaily:

35 iPhone Features You Could Not Know

Do you want more important and interesting news about life in the USA and immigration to America? — support us donate! Also subscribe to our page Facebook. Select the “Priority in display” option and read us first. Also, don't forget to subscribe to our РєР ° РЅР ° Р »РІ Telegram  and Instagram- there is a lot of interesting things there. And join thousands of readers ForumDaily New York — there you will find a lot of interesting and positive information about life in the metropolis.