Posted by: TAZ Networks on May 15, 2017 at 4:06 pm
A massive ransomware attack is taking place right now that you urgently need to know about.
Last Friday, a massive ransomware attack started spreading across the globe, shutting down networks and demanding payment to unlock files. As of this writing, hundreds of thousands of individual attacks have been reported in over 150 countries.
As of this morning, no TAZ Networks Managed IT Care clients have been affected. Here’s why:
- Proactive Managed Updates. The WannaCry ransomware takes advantage of a weakness in Microsoft Windows, which was patched by Microsoft in March. We review these security updates and push them out to our clients as soon as we are confident that they are compatible with applicable systems. We also proactively recommend upgrading away from unsecure systems, such as Windows XP and Server 2003, both of which were hit heavily by this attack.
- Firewall. Every TAZ Networks Managed IT Care client has a firewall – this is a requirement of participating in our managed services program. The protection offered by a comprehensive firewall security device cannot be overstated. We set these up with specific security standards, ensuring ONLY necessary traffic gets through. Even that approved traffic is inspected for malware, viruses and other attacks.
- Backups. The FBI and leading security experts recommend not paying data ransoms, as paying only enables and encourages more hackers to get in on the ransomware game. In the event of a ransomware attack, backups are often the only way to get your data back without paying. We offer backup solutions that can be customized to your security needs, data capacity, and budget.
- Education. Via our newsletters, blog, and social media, we publish and share many tips to know what to look for, and what each individual user can do to keep your network safe.
As to that last point, we will be hosting an executive lunch on cybersecurity later this year. Please watch for your invitation!
In the meantime, if you are a TAZ Networks Managed IT Care client and you have any questions about your specific network, please feel free to contact your account manager (Matt or Tavis), or the service desk.
If you’re not yet working with TAZ Networks, and you don’t have the time to keep up to date on this stuff, because you’re busy managing your business, serving your customers, and generating an income – please call our office today at 810-355-2280, option 1. We’d love to discuss how we can protect you.
(Post has been edited to reflect a scheduling change on the cybersecurity seminar.)