So it is still critically important that you update your Windows systems now and let your friends and family know they should do the same. This is a Wordfence public service security announcement for all users of computers running any version of Windows. I have seen in the news that Microsoft released a patch for windows XP, but I can.
Windows 10 could help enterprises more quickly detect and stop the further spread of a ransomware infection, a recent Microsoft blog post said. The post, published Monday, claims that Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) helps businesses better understand early cases, and use that information to protect their network.
Much like a physical illness, catching a cybersecurity infection early is key to mitigating potential damage and avoiding complex problems. If a ransomware attack is perpetrated, there are steps that an enterprise can take to limit the complications.
- Antimalware protection for Windows 7 and earlier versions of Windows. Windows Defender Antivirus is built into Windows 10 and Windows 8.1. If your computer is running Windows 7 or earlier, you can download and use Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE). On enterprise networks, System Center Endpoint Protection (SCEP) provides a single, integrated platform that reduces your IT management.
- DOWNLOAD Windows Security Update for WannaCry Ransomware (KB4012598) 1.0.0.0 for Windows top alternatives FREE Avira Antivir Virus Definitions for Avira 10 and Older.
- Microsoft Releases XP Patch for WannaCry Ransomware. Broadly available for download,” Microsoft said. Must not be too important because you can't even find a working link for the patch.
'As attacks reach the post-breach or post-infection layer—when endpoint antimalware fails to stop a ransomware infection—enterprises can benefit from post-breach detection solutions that provide comprehensive artifact information and the ability to quickly pivot investigations using these artifacts,' the post said.
SEE: Cybersecurity spotlight: The ransomware battle (Tech Pro Research)
The research cited in the blog post said that some of the more prevalent families of ransomware campaigns can last for 'days or even weeks, all the while employing similar files and techniques.' But, if the affected business can investigate what the blog called 'patient zero,' or the initial infection, they can 'effectively stop ransomware epidemics,' the post said.
More about cybersecurity
That means if an antimalware tool fails to prevent the actual attack in the first place, Windows 10 should be able to prevent it from growing further and turning into an epidemic. It is able to do so because Windows Defender ATP can point out the original infections and work to help protect the network and stop the subsequent attacks, the post said.
The research looked specifically at a type of malware known as Cerber ransomware, which was particularly prevalent during the holiday season. During the test, Cerber ransomware was downloaded and, when it tried to launch a PowerShell command, it was detected by Windows Defender ATP.
'Windows Defender ATP also generated an alert when the PowerShell script connected to a TOR anonymization website through a public proxy to download an executable,' the post said. 'Security operations center (SOC) personnel could use such alerts to get the source IP and block this IP address at the firewall, preventing other machines from downloading the executable.'
Additionally, Windows Defender ATP also generated alerts when the ransomware tried to delete system restore points and volume shadow copies. According to the post, more updates are coming that will enable 'network isolation of compromised machines,' and the ability to 'quarantine and prevent subsequent execution of files.'
The 3 big takeaways for TechRepublic readers
- According to Windows researchers, Windows 10 can help prevent a ransomware infection from turning into a full-on epidemic.
- Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) picks up artifact information from patient zero to understand the ransomware family and alert security professionals.
- Future updates will add quarantine capabilities and network isolation as well.
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- How to set up Windows 10 on the Raspberry Pi (TechRepublic)
- Microsoft: Windows 10 will stop a ransomware epidemic when antivirus fails (ZDNet)
- Windows 10 violates your privacy by default, here's how you can protect yourself (TechRepublic)
- Why CIOs don't care about Windows 10 (ZDNet)
- Windows 10: The smart person's guide (TechRepublic)
(WannaCrypt Cyber-attack, Patch, Microsoft Updates & Best Practices)
WannaCrypt (WannaCry or .wncry)
Summary of immediate action items
Windows
- In March, Microsoft released a security update which addresses the vulnerability that these attacks are exploiting. Those who have Windows Update enabled are protected against attacks on this vulnerability. For those organizations who have not yet applied the security update, we suggest you immediately deploy Microsoft Security Bulletin MS17-010.It's advisable to be proactive with security updates - To view all such from Microsoft:
https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/security/bulletins - For customers using Windows Defender, we released an update, on 12 May 2017, which detects this threat as Ransom:Win32/WannaCrypt. As an additional 'defense-in-depth' measure, keep up-to-date anti-malware software installed on your machines. Customers running anti-malware software from any number of security companies can confirm with their provider, that they are protected.
- This attack type may evolve over time, so any additional defense-in-depth strategies will provide additional protections. (For example, to further protect against SMBv1 attacks, customers should consider blocking legacy protocols on their networks).
- Download English language security updates: Windows Server 2003 SP2 x64, Windows Server 2003 SP2 x86,
Windows XP SP2 x64, Windows XP SP3 x86, Windows XP Embedded SP3 x86, Windows 8 x86,
Windows 8 x64 - Download localized language security updates: Windows Server 2003 SP2 x64, Windows Server 2003 SP2 x86, Windows XP SP2 x64, Windows XP SP3 x86, Windows XP Embedded SP3 x86, Windows 8 x86, Windows 8 x64
- MS17-010 Security Update: https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/security/ms17-010.aspx
- Download English language security updates: Windows Server 2003 SP2 x64, Windows Server 2003 SP2 x86,
Azure
- WannaCrypt attacks: guidance for Azure customers
What does this ransomware do?
Summary of long-term action items
You should:
- Install and use an up-to-date antivirus solution (such as Microsoft Security Essentials).
- Make sure your software is up-to-date.
- Avoid clicking on links or opening attachments or emails from people you don't know or companies you don't do business with.
- Ensure you have smart screen (in Internet Explorer) turned on.
- Have a pop-up blocker running in your web browser.
- Regularly backup your important files.
You can back-up your files with a cloud storage service that keeps a history or archive of your files, such as OneDrive which is now fully integrated into Windows 10 and Windows 8.1, and Microsoft Office.
After you've removed the ransomware infection from your computer, you can restore previous, unencrypted versions of your Office files using 'version history'.
For more tips on preventing malware infections, including ransomware infections, see: Help prevent malware infection on your PC.
Summary of tools from Microsoft, That Can Help
Windows 10: It is not vulnerable to this attack. (Hard target with security enabled)
Secure Productive Enterprise:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-IN/secure-productive-enterprise
https://www.microsoft.com/en-IN/secure-productive-enterprise
- Windows Update
- Windows Server Update Services (WSUS)
- System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM)
- Microsoft Intune
- Operations Management Suite – Update Management
- Windows Update
- Antimalware
- Windows Defender
- System Center Endpoint Protection (SCEP)
- Windows Defender
- Windows Backup (Available in all versions of Windows)
- Azure Backup
- System Center Data Protection Manager
- Windows Backup (Available in all versions of Windows)
- Threat Detection, Protection and Response
- Office 365 Advanced Threat Protection – SPE E5
- Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection – SPE E5
- Operations Management Suite – Security and Audit
- Advanced Threat Analytics
- Microsoft Safety Scanner
- Office 365 Advanced Threat Protection – SPE E5
Trojan: Adylkuzz Microsoft Malware Protection Center has already released guidance towards this trojan. (Adylkuzz.A, Adylkuzz.B) - Updated systems will not be vulnerable. Adylkuzz can perform several actions of a malicious hacker's choice on your PC. Find out ways that malware can get on your PC. (The above advisory for WannaCry, is also applicable for Adylkuzz) Use the following free Microsoft software to detect and remove this threat:
You should also run a full scan. A full scan might find other hidden malware. You can also see our advanced troubleshooting page for more help.
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Original Advisory This is an excerpt from the article 'Customer Guidance for WannaCrypt attacks' by MSRC Team as on May 12, 2017 Today many of our customers around the world and the critical systems they depend on were victims of malicious 'WannaCrypt' software. Seeing businesses and individuals affected by cyberattacks, such as the ones reported today, was painful. Microsoft worked throughout the day to ensure we understood the attack and were taking all possible actions to protect our customers. This blog spells out the steps every individual and business should take to stay protected. Additionally, we are taking the highly unusual step of providing a security update for all customers to protect Windows platforms that are in custom support only, including Windows XP, Windows 8, and Windows Server 2003. Customers running Windows 10 were not targeted by the attack today. Details are below.
We also know that some of our customers are running versions of Windows that no longer receive mainstream support. That means those customers will not have received the above mentioned Security Update released in March. Given the potential impact to customers and their businesses, we made the decision to make the Security Update for platforms in custom support only, Windows XP, Windows 8, and Windows Server 2003, broadly available for download (see links below). Customers who are running supported versions of the operating system (Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012, Windows 10, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows Server 2016) will have received the security update MS17-010 in March. If customers have automatic updates enabled or have installed the update, they are protected. For other customers, we encourage them to install the update as soon as possible. This decision was made based on an assessment of this situation, with the principle of protecting our customer ecosystem overall, firmly in mind. Some of the observed attacks use common phishing tactics including malicious attachments. Customers should use vigilance when opening documents from untrusted or unknown sources. For Office 365 customers we are continually monitoring and updating to protect against these kinds of threats including Ransom:Win32/WannaCrypt. More information on the malware itself is available from the Microsoft Malware Protection Center on the Windows Security blog. For those new to the Microsoft Malware Protection Center, this is a technical discussion focused on providing the IT Security Professional with information to help further protect systems. Further resources:
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Download Microsoft Windows 10 Free Upgrade For Windows Xp
Frequently Asked Questions This is an excerpt from the article 'Ransomware' by Malware Protection Center What does ransomware do? There are different types of ransomware. However, all of them will prevent you from using your PC normally, and they will all ask you to do something before you can use your PC. They can target any PC users, whether it's a home computer, endpoints in an enterprise network, or servers used by a government agency or healthcare provider. Ransomware can:
Ransomware will demand that you pay money (a 'ransom') to get access to your PC or files. We have also seen them make you complete surveys. There is no guarantee that paying the fine or doing what the ransomware tells you will give access to your PC or files again. Frequently asked questions Is it true that the legal authorities in my area have detected illegal activities in my PC? No. These warnings are fake and have no association with legitimate authorities. The message uses images and logos of legal institutions to make the it look authentic. I cannot access my PC or my files. Should I just go ahead and pay to regain access? There is no one-size-fits-all response if you have been victimized by ransomware. There is no guarantee that handing over the ransom will give you access to your files again. Paying the ransom could also make you a target for more malware. How do I get my files back? How to recover your files depends on where your files are stored and what version of Windows you are using. Before you try to recover files, you should use Windows Defender Offline to fully clean your PC. For Microsoft Office files stored, synced, or backed up to OneDrive
For files on your PC
If you've been infected by the Crilock family of ransomware (also called CryptoLocker), you might be able to use the tool mentioned in the MMPC blog:
What should I do if I've paid? You should contact your bank and your local authorities, such as the police. If you paid with a credit card, your bank may be able to block the transaction and return your money. The following government-initiated fraud and scam reporting websites may also help:
If your country or region isn't listed here, we encourage you to contact your country's federal police or communications authority. For general information on what to do if you have paid, see:
How did message know my IP address? Your IP address is not usually hidden, and there are lots of tools online that will get it for you. It's likely they used such a tool. How did ransomware get on my PC? In most instances ransomware is automatically downloaded when you visit a malicious website or a website that's been hacked. For other ways malware, including ransomware, gets on your PC, see:
How do I protect myself against ransomware? You should:
You can backup your files with a cloud storage service that keeps a history or archive of your files, such as OneDrive which is now fully integrated into Windows 10 and Windows 8.1, and Microsoft Office. After you've removed the ransomware infection from your computer, you can restore previous, unencrypted versions of your Office files using 'version history'. See the question 'How do I get my files back?' above for more help on how to use this feature in OneDrive. For more tips on preventing malware infections, including ransomware infections, see:
How do I remove ransomware from my PC? How to remove the ransomware depends on what type it is. If your web browser is locked You can try to unlock your browser by using Task Manager to stop the web browser's process:
When you open your web browser again, you may be asked to restore your session. Do not restore your session or you may end up loading the ransomware again. See the question 'How do I protect myself from ransomware' above for tips on preventing browser-based ransomware from running on your PC. If your PC is locked Method 1: Use the Microsoft Safety Scanner in safe mode First, download a copy of the Microsoft Safety Scanner from a clean, non-infected PC. Copy the downloaded file to a blank USB drive or CD, and then insert it into the infected PC. Try to restart your PC in safe mode:
When you're in safe mode, try to run the Microsoft Safety Scanner. Method 2: Use Windows Defender Offline Because ransomware can lock you out of your PC, you might not be able to download or run the Microsoft Safety Scanner. If that happens, you will need to use the free tool Windows Defender Offline:
See our advanced troubleshooting page for more help. Steps you can take after your PC has been cleaned Make sure your PC is protected with antimalware software. Microsoft has free security software that you can use:
If you don't want to use Windows Defender or Microsoft Security Essentials, you can download other security software from another company. Just make sure it is turned on all the time, fully updated, and provides real-time protection. |
Microsoft Technical Security Notifications Excerpted from: https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/security/dd252948 Help protect your computing environment by keeping up to date on Microsoft technical security notifications. Security Update Email Alerts Microsoft's free monthly Security Notification Service provides links to security-related software updates and notification of re-released security updates. You can choose between basic and comprehensive formats.These notifications are written for IT professionals, contain in-depth technical information, and are digitally-signed with PGP.
Security Advisories Alerts Microsoft Security Advisories are a way for Microsoft to communicate security information to customers about issues that may not be classified as vulnerabilities and may not require a security bulletin. Each advisory will be accompanied with a unique Microsoft Knowledge Base Article number for reference to provide additional information about the changes.
Microsoft Security Response Center Blog Alerts The Microsoft Security Response Center (MSRC) blog provides a real-time way for the MSRC to communicate with customers. You can also follow us on our Twitter feed @msftsecresponse.
Help with Your Notification Services If you have any problems registering, canceling, or receiving the security notifications, please contact us. To set your contact preferences for this and other Microsoft communications, see the communications preferences section of the Microsoft Privacy Statement at: < http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=92781>. Verifying Our Digital Signature Pretty Good Privacy (PGP) is an Internet standard for digitally signing and encrypting e-mail and other documents. The Microsoft Security Response Center (MSRC) uses PGP to digitally sign all security notifications. However, it is not required to read security notifications, read security update information, or install security updates. You can obtain the MSRC public PGP key at the MSRC Security Notification PGP Web page. Numerous third-party vendors produce PGP-compatible applications for a variety of platforms, but Microsoft cannot recommend the right solution for your environment. |
Ransomware Patch Download Microsoft Windows 10 64
Anshuman Mansingh Technology Solutions Professional (Technology Strategist) https://www.linkedin.com/in/anshumanmansingh |