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Security

Ransomware

By Martha Huizenga Internet, Security

RANSOMWAREIn 2021, several cases of Ransomware attacks on large companies, organizations, and government agencies have occurred. Ransomware has become a significant issue in technology, resulting in billions of dollars lost in the past couple of years.

What is Ransomware?

Ransomware is a form of malware designed to encrypt files on a device. It uses encryption, which generates a pair of unique keys created by the attacker to encrypt or decrypt files. Typically, the software is dispersed through spam emails, advertising, or targeted attacks.

A ransom is demanded to be paid in order for files to be decrypted and become accessible. Attackers using Ransomware threaten to publish individuals’ personal data or block access to the use of files, databases, and/or applications until the ransom is paid. Ransomware largely affects businesses, limiting access to data needed for daily operation. It is created to spread across an entire network/database to incapacitate the entire business.

How can you prevent Ransomware incidents?

  1. Only open emails and websites from trusted people and organizations.
  2. Do not click on any embedded links in emails and do not give out usernames and passwords to any one. One of the most common ways hackers gain access to private networks is through a process called Phishing. Phishing is the act of someone who pretends to work for the company calls/emails/texts asking can you provide them with your login credentials.
  3. Be sure to maintain current offline, encrypted backups of your data.
  4. Regularly test your backups.
  5. Use and maintain security software on your devices, including antivirus and anti-spam software.
  6. Only use secure wireless networks. If you do use a public wifi network, make sure you are also using a VPN on top of that connection.
  7. Create and maintain a cyber incident response plan, including notification procedures for a ransomware incident.

With the increase in Ransomware attacks, it is important, especially for businesses, to stay informed and take precautions to prevent incidents.

KRACK Attack – What You Need to Know

By Martha Huizenga Security, WiFi

That loud sound you heard last week might have been the crack from the feared KRACK attack hitting the internet. KRACK can invade all wifi connected, wireless devices (laptops, tablets, phones, etc.) and allow hackers to spy on your personal data and interactions online.  The good news is that the vendors we use to power the DC Access network equipment have already created patches and we have already patched our core network equipment.  Other tech companies and manufacturers are responding quickly to this security hole and are rapidly working on patches to protect our online security and safety.

In the meantime, DC Access wants to share with you some useful tips to keep your systems safe.

Windows

If you use Windows enabled devices, they are unlikely to be impacted by this vulnerability.  However, Microsoft already prepared a patch for Windows 10. If you have auto-updates turned on, the patch has already been installed on your device.

Apple

Apple is working on a KRACK protection update for all of its products. These updates should be available in the next few days. Keep an eye out for it – the patch will be available for download and auto-updates.

Google

Google is working on updates for Android phones. Updates should be out in a few weeks.  The wildcard with Android phones, however, is that each cellular provider will control when (or if) phones get updated.  Pay attention to notices from your cellular provider for information about software updates.

Please remember, though, to be careful with other wireless devices that use wifi, including wireless cameras and baby monitors, among other devices. There may never be a hardware update available for these devices. And even if an update does become available, most do not have an auto update feature, so it is more difficult to disseminate the fix. The updates need to be installed manually. In order to best protect your data, when possible, use hard-wired versions of these devices.

DC Access is staying well-informed on this potential security breach and working hard to ensure your protection.  If you have any questions, please contact us at support@dcaccess.net.