Some interesting stats in the wake of WannaCry

[Avast Software]

Really wanted to share these with the WF community I'm proud of our team and our threat intelligence labs; in the end, we blocked over 1,000,000 WannaCry attempts. That was across 350 variants in 150 countries around the world. it's just a fraction of what we block every day though; on an average day we stop over 100,000,000 threats of all kinds. (If anyone has any questions about how Avast works, happy to help)

Avast blocked WannaCry ransomware more than 1 million times in 150 countries worldwide

And some more information on how WannaCry could have been avoided:

Patching could have minimized WannaCry impact, now worst ransomware outbreak in history

Hope everyone here is staying safe!

 

[ussnorway]

how WannaCry could have been avoided

patch software that people trust is what stopped it... and also why it wasn't avoided by many others.

 

[ThatOneGuy]

Is there any sites or software that has a higher chance if being wannacry?

Sent from my Alcatel_5044R using Windows Forums mobile app

 

[pnamajck]

" Is there any sites or software that has a higher chance if being wannacry? "

not entirely following what you are asking, thatoneguy … are you asking "are there any websites or software to protect you from being victimized by wannacry?" … is that what you are asking?

if so … there's plenty you can do:

• first and foremost … keep your windows updated … do not disable the update mechanism … it is there to protect you (among other policies).
• make sure you have firewall … microsoft's default is what i use (seems adequate).
• never click on links in texting-apps, emails, microsoft-office products, etc. from what i understand, there are 'protect modes' within office products … use 'em.
  
• your browser:
  • keep it updated
  • clear it's cache 'n cookie-reserves
  • disable and uninstall add-ons and plug-ins you don't use
  • remove bs-toolbars and other gimmicks.
  • install and learn how to utilize ad-blockers … ghostery is also another effective add-on.
• make sure you have enough sentries on your computer … many members in this (and other) forums employ multiple layers of protection … and seems this is the most resilient approach in keeping malware 'n ransomware 'n viruses from gaining a foothold into your environment. by this token, i would suggest:
  • anti-virus (windows-defender or third-party)
  • anti-malware (malwarebytes or rogue-killer)
  • anti-ransomware (ransomfree)
  • anti-spyware (spybot)
  • black-lister (spyware-blaster)
  • encryption software
  with regard to the above allies … all of them can be found free … up to you if you wish to pay for extra protection (as a general rule, i don't).
  
• when you choose your fortress … download the software at the developer's websites … do not trust third-party or managed installers. check for viruses before installation … custom-install to disable third-party crap-ware … always update reference files.
• if using computer everyday … update and scan everyday.
• consider utilizing the microsoft 'system-restore' feature for your benefit.
• is there any software you can remove from your environment (i.e. programs 'n apps you never use)?
• when is the last time you backed up your personal files? are you certain malware didn't sneak into any of those personal folders?

two final thoughts i wish to share with you, thatoneguy …

• your fortress is only as stable as that operator behind the desk. owning a computer is a responsibility … the safety of your family 'n friends depends on you having a clean computer.
• keep up-to-date on latest trends and security issues … and, periodically, re-examine your sentries and maximize their priorities.

welcome to our little world here at windowsforum.com, thatoneguy … hope you enjoy your time here.

ref:

Spoiler: makeuseof.com

4 Annoying Browser Toolbars & How To Get Rid Of Them

Spoiler: malwaretips.com

Remove Unwanted Toolbars from Web Browser (Virus Removal Guide)

 

[pnamajck]

" … how WannaCry could have been avoided … "

" patch software that people trust is what stopped it... and also why it wasn't avoided by many others. "

of the hours research i had investigated the infamous wana-decryptor variant … not once did avast nor avg get mentioned (from within that definitive perspective). there were, however, countless victims stating their anti-ware programs couldn't touch this ransomware.

as ussnorway already has declared … microsoft was the only one who came out punching.