Global Ransomware attack: preparation is key

Businesses have been scrambling since Friday evening (May 12) when news spread that a ransomware attack named WannaCry is compromising organizations at an alarming rate. In less than 48 hours, it has compromised more than 130,000 organizations worldwide in over 150 countries. The recent attack could have been prevented by an update Microsoft previously made available to Windows users. Despite warnings and update reminders, businesses frequently fail to implement available updates needed to protect their systems and data from new threats. Hackers know this fact and thus have launched the first of what is expected to be numerous attacks arising from the now publicized NSA tools. If nothing else, this recent event again brings home the critical importance of updating software and security systems in a timely manner. For any organization running Windows, it is critical that they ensure all applicable patches have been installed.