Alert from Digital Link

Good afternoon.

We at Digital Link have been monitoring a situation as it progresses globally.

A ransomware attack that began in the UK has now been observed in over 100 countries globally in under 24 hours. This attack (Named WannaCry) encrypts all files and holds the users ransom.  This attack cannot be removed in a normal way. Once files are encrypted, the only solution is to either gamble and pay the ransom (With no guarantee for success or that the hackers wont demand further payments) or format the system and start again. Backups are the only way to obtain non-affected files in this case, and in some cases backups may be affected. These attacks began in healthcare areas but are not limited to them any longer.

We are advising everyone to be vigilant in the following ways:

Ensure yor have completed Windows updates on both computers and servers. The initial attack used the “EternalBlue” exploit.

Do not open attachments in emails. This is the most common way for the virus to be transmitted.  If you are not expecting an attachment from someone, follow up by phone and do not open the attachment unless it is something you are expecting. Please note these emails can come from affected systems belonging to people you would typically trust.

Do not click on web links in emails that you are not expecting.

Do not open attachments from emails that you do not recognize.

Do not plug in USB sticks into your computer from unknown sources.

Should you wish to have something clarified, please do not hesitate to contact us at Digital Link.

We do not send out alerts lightly, but we feel situation this warrants caution.

Thank you,