Once again, a malware attack has taken the whole world by surprise, and now everyone is at risk of getting their computer locked down. Last time when this happened, the malware responsible was ransomware by the name of WannaCry.
This time, however, it is another attacker, and this one’s name is Petya. It attacks everything, from government agencies to electricity suppliers. Even the chocolate factory was hit by this virus.
Since it locks down your device and demands payment, people have, logically, thought it is just another ransomware. It still displays that message, in which it demands $300 in Bitcoin. In fact, it mimics WannaCry so good that it has been two days before people started noticing that something is not right about this.
Let us look at the evidence in front of us. First of all, the payment system was useless from the very beginning. As soon as it started, the email address used for bitcoin payment was shut down. And since it was the only one, hackers can’t even get to the money, even if people try to pay up.
Secondly, it is doing way more damage than a regular ransomware. And its main target appears to be Ukraine. Its government, companies, and everything else that this malware can get to. Not only does it make both computers as well as data found on them useless, it also carries a username-stealing Trojan.
This is not Petya
The real name of this malware is GoldenEye. Petya, however, is an older version of the malware. It was suspected that this is a new strain of Petya, but it finally turned out to be something else.
How can you protect yourself against it?
So far, researchers have observed two different methods of attack. Sophos’ business security expert, David Sykes, has stated that one of them is an attack on a Windows vulnerability. This is a flawed Windows Server Message Block or SMB service. It serves for file sharing on local networks.
This issue was patched up back in March, but it was shown to still be present in many Windows computers even a month after the patch was released. If you need proof of that, WannaCry is more than enough.
The second method that GoldenEye/Petya uses for spreading is another tool called Microsoft PsExec tool. It uses this tool in combination with administrator credentials that it gets from the device it targets.
Both of the issues are already take care of. Still, just like in a case of WannaCry, many users simply didn’t download the patch. Because of this, their devices remain vulnerable, and the infection keeps on going.
Update your device
So, in order to protect yourself, the first thing that you must do is make sure that your device has freshest updates. They carry patches and new layers of protection, and you shouldn’t ignore them just because they need a couple of minutes to set themselves up.
You can also turn on the automatic updates. That way, you will always remain safe, and your computer will do everything by itself. If your automatic updates are already on, then you have nothing to worry about. If not, then make sure to download them and set them up yourself.
You can do it here.
Also, make sure that your antivirus works properly. It is important for it to have its freshest updates in time as well. The majority of antivirus companies have already got their anti-Petya patches, so don’t worry about that either.
Use a VPN
VPNs are Virtual Private Networks that are masters of online security. Since Petya/GoldenEye is a malware, it can’t get to you if you have a malware protection, and the best one is VPN itself.
VPNs also protect your data by shielding it and also by encrypting it. If you use one, you will be safe from online dangers. This includes spying on your actions, infecting you with malware, preventing hacking attacks, and alike.
We recommend TorGuard as the best VPN for this job. It also offers great speeds, strong defenses, low prices, and multiple packages for you to choose from. Definitely give it a try, and make your connection safe again.
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Take precautions
Last of all, take sensible precautions whenever you can. For example, try to regularly backup your computer, at least once a week. If it is your working computer, it wouldn’t be bad to do it every day, since you don’t want to lose your precious documents.
Keeping a copy of your backup somewhere safe is also a good option. Also, be wary of suspicious emails. Never open them, and especially don’t open their attachments. Not unless you know exactly who sent it to you, and for what reason.
Conclusion
Online dangers are growing stronger all the time, and they are constantly finding new ways of invading your computer. There are many reasons for these attacks, but most of them include easy money for someone else. The problem is that it is your money that they want.
If it is not money, then there are secrets that someone can use for blackmail, which leads us back to money. In any case, your duty is to protect you, your family, as well as your business from harm. To do that, follow our advice and you should be fine.
