7 Best Ways To Protect Against Ransomwares [Petya/GoldenEye/WannaCry] Online Security

Along with recent ransomware attacks, a new wire of ransomware attack split out. Including electricity suppliers & govt agencies, many business groups (even a chocolate factory) in the UK and the US have been damaged by the new encryption ransom virus named Petya/GoldenEye or "Petya Ransomware." It is known ransomware getting viral becoming challenged for cyber security and growing fast across the world and still spreading that trojan ransom virus. Here’s what you require to know about Petya/GoldenEye and how to prevent the attack.

Fight Against Petya/GoldenEye Ransomware [Endpoint Security] —
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Malicious malware has spread into large firms & hit high-profile targets like big multinational organizations and critical infrastructure suppliers. Including the Danish transport company 'Maersk,' "National Bank of Ukraine," the DLA Piper, a US-based pharmaceutical company "Merck" got infected and now it heading to personal computers and all their data is being locked and demanding for ransom.

Some authorities describe this new tautology “NotPetya” or “GoldenEye,” while others still call it as "Petya." Despite the name, it has already kicked more than 1800 targets, and more than 12,000 systems from 63 countries worldwide are getting infected.

Protecting against Petya is same as that of defending systems against any other type of malware. In short, we need to always follow some basic strategies like backing up important data, implement the latest security firewalls or cryptowall updates, remove and clean suspicious tools and its services. Still, implementing the robust security mechanisms is not that much enough if your team members are not aware and instructed about their security rules. It could be as easy as being told not to click on links & open unfamiliar websites or avoid checking unrequested emails. Check quick tips to fix ransomware.

If you have missed, recently I have published an article; Top 12 Best Ways To Identify & Protect Against Phishing Scams | Email Phishing Prevention and today here I want to share some quick tips and simple ways to prevent and be secure from ransomware viruses including Petya or GoldenEye.

Follow steps and make changes as possible as you need. Also if you know any other way then you can share your thoughts via the comment section shown below.

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About Petya/GoldenEye/NotPetya

Like WannaCry, Petya practices the Eternal Blue exploit to spoil the Windows system devices, particularly target earlier versions of Windows operating systems. It does not work like WannaCry where it starts encrypting your data files and folder one by one; instead, Petya/GoldenEye is more serious malware and having the ability to destroy the whole hard drive.

Moreover, with lock, it even blocks you entering into your own system. And you get failed to recover ransomware files from the PC.

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How Petya Ransomware Works

While Petya is trying to damage your computer system, a black screen with message text is shown on display, then the system will forcefully restart to perform the encryption ransomware.

Initially, the first steps performed by Petya can easily be ignored by the user as it looks like the Windows process of boot scan or repairing the system. And once the malware process performed and your PC is rebooted then you will see that your system is encrypted and a message is shown on the ransomware screen to alert you to pay the ransom amount.

7 Tips To Protect Against Petya/GoldenEye Ransomware

The ransomware attack is an extremely trouble as it locked up your valuable files and even money too. So you require staying focused & be alerted to any unusual & uknown activities on your machine.

Get total protection to prevent ransomware attacks like Petya/GoldenEye proactively:

1. Backup Important Files & Folder

In these circumstances & fast growing cyber world, backing up your data is of the utmost importance. An operating system can be reinstalled and so the software too, but your data could probably be lost forever. The most necessary files to backup are probably your documents, pictures, music, and other user files.

Creating a backup of your valuable and important files is essential to avoid losing your critical data, especially encrypted by Ransomware, it’s better for you to build a habit of making a back-up frequently and correctly.

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2. Fix System Vulnerability

The system vulnerability is the most preferred target of any malware attack. It’s essential to keep your system updated and secure.

Check the latest OS updates, patches for your existing Windows versions and download/install them from official Microsoft website. Remove older version Windows and its softwares.

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3. Create and Maintain a Strong Password

Passwords are your first choice for defense against any cyber attack. A secure password can help you enhance the security of your machine by blocking malicious attacks from entering your system efficiently.

You must create your own strong, long, memorable mixed-character passwords. Having a stronger password can mean all the difference in securing your system account.

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4. Disable "winmgmt"

Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) service automatically starts while system boot under the LocalSystem account. The "winmgmt" service can be managed by Petya to increase the ransomware.

How to stop WMI service?

• Open Command Prompt >> enter "net stop winmgmt"
• Other services that rely on the WMI service also stop, such as "SMS Agent Host" or "Windows Firewall"

More about WMI: Starting and Stopping the WMI Winmgmt Service
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5. Disable "SMB1"

The first SMB1 protocol is almost 28 years old, SMBv1 is an old deprecated network protocol and chances are getting controlled by Petya ransomware. Petya/GoldenEye uses the vulnerability in the SMB service of the system to spread and perform encryption.

You can reasonably disable it to stop the Petya malware attack. But there's a possible chance that 'file and print sharing' may get failed to start and work on LAN (local area network).

More about SMBv1: How to detect, enable and disable SMBv1, SMBv2, and SMBv3 in Windows

6. Install Powerful Antivirus

Anyone who manages a Windows PC knows how powerful it is to have a reliable antivirus program. It is the easiest but efficient way to block ransomware. So install powerful antivirus to protect your computer system.

It is even more secure to use robust security software or cryptolocker ransomware removal tool which specially installs an anti-ransomware engine with real-time protection to protect the computer against Petya attack.

7. Follow Problogbooster.

Don't forget to follow PBB newsletter that will keep you updated and informed about new tech tips and how-to guides.

Bottom Line

Petya is an advanced version of the malware, including various attack vectors used, both modern and old. The virus causes the system to crash, and the encryption of files occurs once the computer is rebooted. The best plan to fight against ransomware is ensuring the fundamentals security steps are executed properly. Start by educating yourself and your team members about cybersecurity procedures and its importance, while protecting your company with necessary steps as shown above.

Quick suggestion, make sure to execute a next-generation endpoint security solution like an application control system that only permits trusted software to run and make changes in your computers by making your system fully protected from Petya or any future pieces of malware viruses.