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Log In, Look Out Westchester: New Global Hack Attack Expected Monday

A second wave of the global hack attack that started Friday is expected to cause worldwide computer problems on Monday, according to multiple reports.

Department of Homeland Security

Department of Homeland Security

Photo Credit: Contributed

So-called ransomware could freeze computers as the workweek gets underway. 

Homeland security adviser Thomas P. Bossert and top security officials in the Trump administration had emergency meetings in the White House Situation Room about the hack over the weekend, according to The New York Times.

The first wave of the attack on Friday took down computer systems in more than 150 countries. Coding for a kill switch that was discovered for the ransomware stopped further spread of the attack, but not before more than 200,00 computers were affected at hospitals, banks and agencies.

The hack forces users to pay $300 or risk having their data be erased.

The new ransomware expected to be deployed Monday reportedly does not have a kill switch.

Individual users are often the first line of defense against this and other threats, said the Department of Homeland Security, which is encouraging all Americans to update operating systems and implement vigorous cybersecurity practices at home, work, and school. These practices include:

  • Update your systems to include the latest patches and software updates.
  • Do not click on or download unfamiliar links or files in emails.
  • Back up your data to prevent possible loss, whether you are at a home, work, or school computer.
The Department of Homeland Security also provided more information on what ransomware is and what to do about it. You can access that report here.

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