The most recent attack on Friday, May 12 affected 200,000 victims across at least 150 countries worldwide. The latest attack comes from ransomware known as WannaCry. Ransomware is software that blocks access by encrypting your data until a ransom is paid. It displays a message that requests money to unlock access. There has been an international search for the perpetrators behind the attack, being led by the Europol, the European Union’s Police Agency. Luckily, there has been no second wave of attacks with many watching to see what the start of the new workweek brings.
The WannaCry Ransomware takes advantage of a vulnerability in Microsoft Windows. Microsoft released a security patch in March to correct the problem. However, there are many companies that do not automatically update their systems to incorporate the Windows patches. A prime reason for not wanting to do so, is that often the newer releases or patches cause problems with companies operating legacy software programs. Essentially, these companies have been running the gamble of not upgrading the security patches so they don’t have to spend potentially significant money to upgrade the legacy software.
If you are considering doing a rewrite of your software systems, consider contacting PS Solutions for a quote. Our rural outsourcing program allows you to save thousands of dollars by utilizing our Altoona-based software engineers. You save money, keep jobs in the USA, and avoid the risks of the unknown results of gambling on using overseas development companies.
