This New Cyber Attack

[mikey4444]

Am I right in thinking that if I don't open any email, with a dodgy-looking attachment, I will be safe ?

[bhg481]

On the BBC this morning hey said you didn't even need to open the email, let alone attachments.

[EDDIE51]

Mikey I have just posted this on the other thread on this subject
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-39911385
The guy who was able to halt the spread of the current attack thinks another one is on the way , possibly as early as Monday !
If you have an up to date browser with the current updates you are not likely to be hit.
I am on W7 with full updates so I should be ok, but I also have an anti virus program.

[mikey4444]

bhg....f this virus doesn't come in by way of an email, how does it work then....does anyone know ?

Thanks Eddie....I will check that I have the latest updates as well.

[mikey4444]

I am using Windows Ten....how can I check that I have all the latest security updates ?

[Khandro]

mikey; If you have W10 you should have windows defender, is there a sheild logo at the bottom of your screen on the taskbar? click on it and it will tell you if you are up to date.

[Old_Geezer]

For most you can find the security update screen in the settings area, available from the windows button (cog wheel icon). For specific antivirus programmes, open them, they should have an update check button. Both ought to be set to either auto download or auto warn you.

[EDDIE51]

I don't know about W10 but it is supposed to be even more secure than my W7. I think it updates automatically unless you have told it not to, but I may be wrong.

[mikey4444]

I don' think I have windows defender, but I do have Norton. I can't be sure but when I installed Norton, I seem to recall that there was a conflict issue between Defender and Norton.

So....how do I start Defender please ?

[Old_Geezer]

You don't if Norton is still active. You must only have one AV programme running at a time. Open Norton's and check if it is updated.

[bhg481]

The really, really important thing is to have your data backed-up, preferably on a medium removed from your computer. That way, if you do get infected, you can just take your machine back to factory condition and reload your data from the backups.

[mikey4444]

Thanks OG....I thought I had that right ! And my Norton is 100% up to date.

But does anybody know how this random ware gets into computers, if not through an email attachment ?

[Old_Geezer]

Visiting dodgy websites, downloading infected programmes, having inadequate firewalls, etc. etc. etc..

[mikey4444]

Thanks OG.....it seems that these kind of attacks are only too easy to take place.

[TTG]

Surf internet using a standard user account. Disable flash or set to 'on-demand'. Don't use Java unless it's needed for specific program functionality. Install NoScript (although you will have to 'whitelist' any sites that need full functionality). Install an ad-blocker and whitelist trusted sites like this one. Ensure Windows and Anti-virus are up to date. Don't select links or attachments in emails without confirming with the sender. Even if they are from people you know. Ensure browser up to date. Download and run the free version of Malwarebytes on a regular basis. Maybe get a cheap laptop and only use that for logging into banking accounts...nothing else not even visiting other websites. Scan all files/usb sticks from other sources before opening.

[Hopkirk]

Apparently what's different with this one is the way it goes through networks, but if you have a stand alone computer and take the usual reasonable care you should be OK. Also it sounds like the worst affected are on old systems using Windows XP.

[whiskeryron]

I have also had emails supposedly from known contacts which have been dodgy, so how do we know for sure ?

[Old_Geezer]

You can never be 100% safe. But even from known contacts, check they have sent you something before scanning any attachments, before opening them.

[fender62]

if you have a decent anti virus and firewall you should be fine, i always image my drive to a portable usb hard drive using aomei backupper Program, so if anything ever did happen, i only have to put the image back to the pc or laptop as if nothing happened.