One of Wagga’s computer security experts says the newest global cyber attack could have been avoided if people simply updated their computers.
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Across the weekend a new form of ransomware called WannaCrypt, where files are encrypted until a ransom is paid, crippled thousands of computers and locked up essential services including hospitals in Britain, FedEx in the United States and Telefonica in Spain.
Cyber-security specialist Daniel Winson said it exploited a bug in Windows systems that had been known about since March. Even worse for those infected, Microsoft had put out a patch to solve the problems weeks ago.
“Everyone needs to run their Windows updates to avoid being infected,” Mr Winson said. “They’ve even released a patch for Windows XP, the first one in three years, that’s how bad this is.”
It’s not just a problem for Windows users either, Mr Winson said, with Apple computers attracting more attention from cyber criminals. He said people should regularly update their computer and keep backups.