This week a widespread cyberattack, “Petya”, hit companies all over the globe. Global companies such as the Danish Maersk who is one of the largest shipping companies in the world, the British WWP which is the world’s largest advertising agency, Dutch TNT who is among the largest logistic companies were all hit by the Petyavirus. Many other companies were hit in different countries, which go to show that even the biggest and most secure companies can be the victims of cyberattacks.
Most security experts agree that the attacks originated from Ukraine where many banks, phone companies, power companies and many other sectors were hit hard. The Ukrainian International Airport also reported delays due to the attacks. Experts also agree that the Petyavirus seems to be more advanced than first expected, and the hackers behind the virus also seems to be more technological advanced. Petya unlike, WannaCry, have the capability to spread its virus once it’s inside the system. Both Petya and WannaCry are labelled as Ransomware which means that the virus will lock all information on the infected system and demand a ransom to unlock.
Microsoft claims that Petya uses a weakness in a recently released security update for Windows 7.
Companies and individuals alike need to make sure, to shut down any system that is infected with the virus immediately, to stop the virus from spreading. This means a complete shutdown with the power unplugged.
Vira such as Petya and WannaCry find its way to unprotected computers by exploiting weaknesses in the software installed, and by tricking people to install programs with the virus hidden inside. We urge all users to make sure to have an effective and updated antispyware or antivirus- program installed on their computer.
Program such as Anti Explorator is specifically designed to identify possible threats, and removing them before they can do any harm.
Download the latest version, scan your computer immediately and remove any threats now!
If you have any questions regarding Anti Explorator or ransomware please let us know here.