Dear AG members,
As you are no doubt aware, we are currently experiencing an unprecedented ransomware attack at a global scale. The malware was detected on 12 May 2017 and has the capability to spread across networks taking advantage of a critical exploit in a popular communication protocol used by Windows systems.
Many of you have already reached out and are actively involved in containing this threat. However, since we believe that the infection and propagation rate may go up on Monday when people return to their workplaces, we would like to ask you to please help us distribute information that can help contain this threat. To this end, we have compiled a list of recommendations and also prepared an infographic (see attachment). Please feel free to use this information for reaching out to your network and to complement your advice, if and where useful.
Also, the No More Ransom (NMR) initiative, actively supported by many of you already, remains an essential source of information. Together with you and other partners, we will continue to update the information available via the NMR portal, so it is important to watch this space as well.
If you want to share any other prevention, protection or awareness information with us, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Thank you again for your continued support.
Kind regards,
EC3 Outreach & Support
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If you are a victim or have reason to believe that you could be a victim
The most important step involves patching the Microsoft vulnerability (MS17-010):
A patch for legacy platforms is available here:
In instances where it is not possible to install the patch, manage the vulnerability becomes key. One way of doing this would be to disable the SMBv1 (Server Message Block) protocol:
and/or block SMBv1 ports on network devices [UDP 137, 138 and TCP 139, 445].
Another step would be to update endpoint security and AV solutions with the relevant hashes of the ransomware (e.g. via VirusTotal).
If these steps are not possible, not starting up and/or shutting down vulnerable systems can also prevent the propagation of this threat.
How to prevent a ransomware attack?
- Back-up! Back-up! Back-up! Have a backup and recovery system in place so a ransomware infection can’t destroy your personal data forever. It’s best to create at least two back-up copies on a regular basis: one to be stored in the cloud (remember to use a service that makes an automatic backup of your files) and one stored locally (portable hard drive, thumb drive, etc.). Disconnect these when you are done and store them separately from your computer. Your back-up copies will also come in handy should you accidentally delete a critical file or experience a hard drive failure.
- Use robust antivirus software to protect your system from ransomware. Always use the latest virus definition/database and do not switch off the ‘heuristic’ functions as these help the solution to catch samples of ransomware (and other type of malware) that have not yet been formally detected.
- Keep all the software on your computer up to date. When your operating system (OS) or applications release a new version, install it. If the software you use offers the option of automatic updating, enable it.
- Trust no one. Literally. Any account can be compromised and malicious links can be sent from the accounts of friends on social media, colleagues or an online gaming partner. Never open attachments in emails from someone you don’t know. Similarly, don’t open attachments in emails from somebody you know but from whom you would not expect to receive such as message. Cybercriminals often distribute fake email messages that look very much like email notifications from an online store, a bank, the police, a court or a tax collection agency, luring recipients into clicking on a malicious link and releasing the malware into their system. If in doubt, call the sender at a trusted phone number to confirm the legitimacy of the message received.
- Enable the ‘Show file extensions’ option in the Windows settings on your computer. This will make it much easier to spot potentially malicious files. Stay away from file extensions like ‘.exe’, ‘.com’, ‘.vbs’ or ‘.scr’. Cybercriminals can use several extensions to disguise a malicious file as a video, photo, or document (like hot-chics.avi.exe or report.doc.scr).
- If you discover a rogue or unknown process on your machine, disconnect it immediately from the internet or other network connections (such as home Wi-Fi) — this will prevent the infection from spreading.