By now, you have probably heard about the latest Ransomware attack that has affected over 200,000 devices in over 150 countries.

If you have a Windows computer and are running Windows 10, there is no evidence that this operating system has been targeted.  If you are running an older operating system (e.g., Windows 7, Windows Server 2003, 2008, Windows Vista) and have not updated the system regularly, you may be at risk.  If you are still running Windows XP, you probably are at risk, as that operating system is no longer generally supported by Microsoft (although a special Custom security update was recently provided by Microsoft to inoculate the XP and Server 2003 operating systems against the WannaCry Ransomware). This, however, was a special case!  If you are still using XP or 2003 you are still at risk from other unpatched vulnerabilities.  You should seriously consider replacing all XP and Server 2003 systems as soon as possible.

The Ransomware exploits a known vulnerability.  Microsoft issued a system update in March to block it, but not all users have taken advantage of the update.  Your Windows-based systems may be at risk.

You may want to:

• Update Windows systems with the Microsoft patch MS17-010
• Notify your employees and staff to be extra cautious right now – even clicking on a suspicious attachment could allow a ransomware attack
• Enable automatic updates from Microsoft
• Implement “Defense in Depth” (multiple layers of security) and air-gap mission-critical devices
• Review and evaluate your backup systems — remember that an attached external hard drive used for backup purposes can be compromised by a sophisticated Ransomware attack and encrypted