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MEXICOWANDERER's avatar
MEXICOWANDERER
Explorer
May 15, 2017

Computer Virus Scare? Some Kwnowledeable Answers Out There?

I understand it's affected only XP systems.

But I do not know how large institutional XP got infected. The virus is supposed to only load if a link is clicked.

How did so many systems get fooled?

I have doctor appointments, records, and medicine Rx info stored in my files.

This is too much to ask for on this forum but is there a link to a Q&A as to what is risky web browsing behavior?

I fear Windows 7 may be targeted and I want to play the part of the informed consumer.

Thank You
  • darsben1's avatar
    darsben1
    Explorer
    May 15, 2017
    Microsoft has issued a FIX for the problem for free for all XP and windows 7 users.

    Make sure you have windows update installed and set to automatically download and install updates.
    This should prevent infection
    You could/should run something like malwarebytes or window malicious removal update to see if you are infected.
  • GordonThree's avatar
    GordonThree
    Explorer
    May 15, 2017
    OFFLINE backups are key. Many cryptolocker virus look for things like USB drives that folks backup to, but leave connected all the time, and will scramble those backups as well.

    The key is to take a backup (or snapshot) and then disconnect the drive, or use a program that stores and protects snapshots automatically. I don't know the consumer grade stuff but use Quest Rapid Recovery at the office. It protects about 6 terabytes of data with hourly encrypted snapshots. It's saved the enterprise's bacon more than once.

    On my personal machines I use a cloud snapshot service - that wouldn't be much help to you with a troubled Internet connection.

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