“Script kiddies” are a type of computer hacker that copies malware programs from more experienced creators and put their own name on it. WannaCry was programmed by script kiddies, and the group they stole the malware from is selling a new set of vulnerabilities.

By now, most people know what ransomware is: malicious software that threatens to publish or erase its victims' data unless they pay a ransom. But with the surge in mobile device computing, it was inevitable that ransomware would adapt to find new victims.

The WannaCry and Petya ransomware attacks were a huge wakeup call for healthcare organizations to update their security software. Unfortunately, hackers evolve at an incredible rate, and they’ve developed a new ‘Locky-like’ ransomware strain that can catch many in the healthcare industry off guard.

Disguising itself as an invoice proved to be an effective approach for the original Locky ransomware, which infected millions of users in 2016. Although it was mostly defeated, hackers are currently using a similar approach to spreading a new type of malware.

Blockchain is the newest technology to fuel the Silicon Valley hype train. Everyone is talking about the wonderful things it can do, but few have explained how it works in layman’s terms. Stay ahead of your competition with a crash course in this new and exciting technology!
What is blockchain?
Although the technology was first associated with Bitcoin and other digital currencies, blockchain is not exclusive to the financial sector.

Computer threats have been around for decades. In fact, one of the first computer viruses was detected in the early 70s. Technology has come a long way since then, but so have online threats: Spyware, ransomware, virus, trojans, and all types of malware designed to wreak havoc.

The development of global ransomware attacks like WannaCry is a worrying trend for many computer users, especially for those with outdated Windows PCs. Fortunately, Microsoft is adding some much needed security features in Windows 10 to help keep users safe.

Nyetya, a variant of the Petya ransomware, is spreading across businesses all over the world. Although it shares the same qualities as WannaCry -- a ransomware deemed ‘one of the worst in history’ -- many cyber security experts are calling it a more virulent strain of malware that could cause greater damage to both small and large organizations.

When a Microsoft product reaches its “end-of-life,” the tech developer no longer provides feature updates, technical assistance, and automatic fixes for that product. Support for Windows XP, for instance, ended in April 2014. That said, recent malware attacks have caused Microsoft to continue support for their outdated operating system.

Employees today are working under tight timelines, but thanks to bring your own device policies (BYOD), they can access critical files and applications using their mobile device and get work done from anywhere. But BYOD can be a double-edged sword to those not vigilant about cyber attacks.