How to Protect PC From WannaCry Ransomware – Guide
WannaCry is a ransomware that encrypts files and demands a ransom in bitcoin. If the victim pays the ransom, their files are released but only 42% of them are. The ransomware is designed to exploit vulnerabilities in Microsoft Windows systems that have not been patched with the latest update. Patches are a type of code that is inserted (or patched) into the code of an existing software program and it is the responsibility of the user to ensure that they are installed.
Microsoft releases updates designed to fix broken pieces of code, add functionality, or, perhaps most importantly, protect computers from vulnerabilities exploited by ransomware like WannaCry. Access to WannaCry is most commonly gained through a phishing email with an attachment requesting download. Sometimes the phishing email asks you to click on a link. Once you download the attachment or click the link, WannaCry (or any other form of ransomware) will infect and damage your computer. WannaCry can also infiltrate when a user inadvertently visits an infected website that downloads and installs malware without the user’s knowledge.
Update Windows with the latest software updates
Microsoft released a patch to prevent computer systems from being infected by WannaCry in March. However, that was two months before the recent version of the ransomware made news in May. Patch Windows asked users to: -Check for updates and install them if available -Disable unsecured connections and use strong passwords -Keep your software up to date ..
Open the Windows Update screen.
Important updates have been installed.
Windows Update should run its course and restart your system.
To use your computer, you need to know the operating system. There are many different ones, but the most common ones are Windows and Mac OS. If you don’t know which one your computer uses, follow these steps: Windows:
- Open the Start menu and type “windows” into the search bar.
- Click on “Windows.”
- Click on “System.”
- Under “System Type,” click on “Windows 7 or 8.”
- Under “System Version,” click on “Home Premium (or higher).”
- Under “Computer Name,” type in your name or the name of your computer. (For example, if my name is John Smith and my computer is named JohnSmith, I would type in JohnSmith under Computer Name.)
- Under “User Account Control Settings,” click on the button that says “Yes.”
- Click on the button that says “OK.” Mac OS:
- Open System Preferences by clicking on Apple > System Preferences in the menu bar at the top of your screen or by pressing Command+Option+P (PC) or ⌘-Option-P (Mac).
- In System Preferences, click on Security & Privacy and then click on Accounts in the left column of Accounts pane to display all accounts currently logged into your Mac . 3a If you have more than one account configured with a user name and password, select an account from which you want to start using your Mac . For this example we will use johnsmith as our user name and password for this demonstration; if you want to start using a different account for this demonstration, enter its user name and password instead of johnsmith in step 3b below: 3b Enter login information for an account other than johnsmith if desired; see instructions below for more information about how to do ..
On the “System” window, click on “Hardware and Sound”. On the “Hardware and Sound” window, under the heading “Display”, click on the “Change Display Settings” button. On the “Change Display Settings” window, under the heading “Screen Resolution”, click on the drop-down list and select your desired resolution. ..
Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 are both 32-bit operating systems.
To install the Windows 10 October 2018 Update, see the patch corresponding to your operating system and follow the instructions. ..
Update Windows Drivers
Windows 10 is a new operating system that has been released in late October of 2017. This new operating system is designed to improve the performance of computers and devices. One of the ways that Windows 10 has improved the performance of computers is by ensuring that device drivers are up-to-date. Inappropriate or outdated drivers can cause problems for PCs, so it is highly recommended that you keep your drivers updated.
Driver Restore is a simple and easy way to update drivers on your computer. Driver Update Utility provides a simplistic approach to optimizing PC performance.
Back up all your files
WannaCry is a type of ransomware that locks files on your computer and demands payment in order to unlock them. This malware is similar to other more common forms of ransomware, which means that it will lock files such as images, Word documents, spreadsheets, emails, database files and movies. Affected files usually include any type of file created by the user on a regular basis. The malware will restrict access to these files while your computer continues to function. Access will only be granted after payment of the ransom. To avoid this threat, make sure to periodically back up these important files to a different location. The best suggested methods include using an external hard drive and online backup services. ..
Turn on Windows Update if it is turned off
However, a recent study has found that people are actually more likely to turn off Microsoft’s automatic updates if they feel like the company is not doing enough to keep their computer security up.
Install and run antivirus software
Antivirus software like MacAfee & Norton can help protect your computer from malware, but installing and using these programs alone does not guarantee that your computer is completely secure. You need to make sure that other defenses are in place to prevent the WannaCry ransomware. ..
Change your network settings
WannaCry is spreading through a vulnerability in Microsoft’s Server Message Block (SMB) protocol. Disabling or changing your network settings can help protect yourself from this attack. ..
In the “Advanced Sharing Settings” section, you can change how your computer shares files and printers. You can choose to share files automatically when you connect to the network, or you can choose to share files manually. You can also set up security features to protect your files from being shared by others.
Disable Network Discovery: This will disable your computer from automatically discovering other devices on the network. Disable File and Printer Sharing: This will disable your computer from sharing files and printers with other devices on the network. Disable Public Folder Sharing: This will disable your computer from sharing folders with other devices on the network. ..
Final note
This guide is designed to help you protect your computer from ransomware. If you have any questions about this article, please don’t hesitate to ask us. Additionally, please share this guide with your friends and family so they can also be protected from ransomware.