A fast-moving ransomware variant has infected tens of thousands of computers in at least 112 countries. Though the initial infection was stopped by a quick-thinking security researcher, at least 452 variants on the malware are currently infesting the Internet. Here's what you should do to protect yourself.

The ransomware in question, WannaCry, relies on a flaw in the Windows 10 code for which Microsoft issued a patch on March 14. It’s crucial that customers allow their computers to automatically patch themselves when patches are issued. Machines that contained the patch are much less at risk than those that didn't.

Older Windows versions can also be infected. You need to know what version of Windows you are running to get the proper patch — an add-on piece of computer code to upgrade and improve software, in this case the Windows operating system. Microsoft's web site tells you where to look to verify what version you have. For Windows 10 users, go to the Start button, type in "About Your PC" and select that, then look under PC for the version, edition and system type (32-bit or 64-bit version).

If you have automatic updates enabled on your computer, you will have gotten the patch in March. If not, you can go to the Microsoft website and find the proper patch to download. Once it’s downloaded, the update file will walk you through the install process.

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/msrc/customer-guidance-for-wannacrypt-attacks

https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/security/ms17-010.aspx

Statistics shows that the virus is already in Africa and its spreading very fast

Ok

To be on the safer side, stay away from Windows OS.

persius555:
To be on the safer side, stay away from Windows OS.

Omo na just use internet disconnect jejely. All these jumping up and down no go dey.

Na why MacOs make sense.

OrestesDante:


Omo na just use internet disconnect jejely. All these jumping up and down no go dey.

Na why MacOs make sense.

reports say other OS can also be at risk

Ezyp:

reports say other OS can also be at risk

Wahala dey ooo

Opps wannacry already in Nigeria

I wonder why nairaland mods are not taking this serious....
They keep pretending like this is no issue.

Other advice includes these six tips

Back up your computer and store the safety version in the cloud or on a drive that is not connected to your computer.

Use robust antivirus software.

Keep all the software on your computer up-to-date. Enable automatic updates.

Never open attachments in emails from someone you don't know. And remember that any account can be compromised.

Enable the "Show file extensions" option in the Windows settings on your computer. This will make it much easier to spot potentially malicious files.


Stay away from file extensions like ".exe," ".vbs" and ".scr."

If you find a problem, disconnect your machine immediately from the Internet or other network connections (such as home Wi-Fi)

https://www.nomoreransom.org/