Hello my name is Oliver, I’m a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer and an IT Professional with Half Price Geeks. I’m not the average IT person that you’re probably use to dealing with, so this is not going to be a highly technical post with lots of IT jargon. Don’t Worry I’m going to break this down like fractions for you, my motto is “KISS it” meaning keep it super simple. In the last week I’ve received countless calls from friends, family and clients asking what the WannaCry Ransomware Infection is and how to protect their computer files from it.
I wrote this article to give the average computer user whose not that technical clear and easy steps to protect their computer systems. If you’re an IT professional please feel free to jump to the sections that apply to you.
Are you infected?
Step 1.
Hopefully the results of the scan you’re about to run come back with 0 infections found.
The only way to know for sure if your computer is infected with WannaCry Ransomware is to perform a scan.
You will have the option of downloading a 14 day trial of Malwarebytes or purchasing it for $39.99 a year. I highly recommend purchasing Malwarebytes to add to the arsenal of tools that we will enlist to help keep your pictures and documents safe. Once you click on the link below save the file to your computer or run it. Click next till the installation is complete.
Click on the link below to download and scan with the anti-malware software 
Malwarebytes (Click Here)
If the Malwarebytes program isn’t already up then go to your programs folder and double click on the Malwarebytes icon.
One the program is open click on the scan now button to scan your computer to see if you’re a victim of a Ransomware infection.
Ok, now feel free to take a 20-40 minute break because the scan will take a while to complete. I don’t know which is more nerve wrecking, waiting for the results of this scan or waiting for your test results at a free clinic!
Pay close attention to the Detected Objects counter. If your computer is infected with malware then the counter will turn red and start counting the infections found.
If your scan comes back with no infections found then you have my permission to fist bump your monitor and let out a victory yell. However don’t get too happy because we’re not quite done yet.
Do You Have Current Antivirus Software?
Step 2.
If you just blank stared off in the distance then you probably don’t have antivirus software installed on your computer and if you do its probably expired.
NOT A PROBLEM!
If you have old antivirus software that’s no longer updating then go to the control panel and remove the old antivirus program.
Bookmark this webpage and restart your computer.
Once your computer is back up then click on the link below to purchase Webroot Antivirus Software. Don’t worry the link below will allow you to pick up Webroot for $19.99 for one computer and $29.99 for 5 devices.
Webroot Antivirus (Click Here)
The discounted Webroot prices shouldn’t break your bank account! I recommend selecting the 5 device option so that you can secure all of your computers or gift the licenses to friends and family members.
Once you click on your desired quantity click the X near the bottom to deselect the Software CD option. You really don’t need the CD because we’re going to download the software. If you want a CD just to have it then go ahead and leave the form as is.
Fill out the billing info and click the “Next Step: Checkout” button.
You will receive an email copy of the next screen.
Take your mouse and highlight your registration key and select copy.
Click the download link for your system PC / Mac
Click run, open or save.
Open the downloaded file
Click Next and paste the copied registration key in the field for the registration key.
Click next until the program is installed.
By default Webroot will perform a full system scan of your computer.
If Webroot finds any infected files, move them to quarantine.
If Webroot doesn’t find any infected files then do your happy dance! You’ve officially dodged a bullet! Oh and NO we’re not done yet!
Is Your Computer Up to Date?
Step 3
Windows 10 Users:
Check for updates in Windows 10. Open Start Menu and click on Settings > Update & Security settings > Windows Update. Here, press on the Check for updates button. If any updates are available, they will be offered to you.
Windows 7 Users:
Click on Start > Control Panel > Search or Click on Windows Update
Windows XP Users:
Click on Start > Control Panel > Performance & Maintenance > System > Update
For a detailed list of the current patch for the Wanna Cry Ransomware click on the Microsoft link below:
https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/security/ms17-010.aspx
Do You Have Extra Protection???
Step 4
Contrary to what the media is tell you, Ransomware infections have been around for a while!
The experts at Foolish IT created a malware supplement application that’s damn good at protecting your computer against new ransomware attacks. The CryptoPrevent application secures your computer and plugs the entry points for Ransomware Attacks. If you’re balling on a budget then go with the Free edition of CryptoPrevent otherwise I would cough up $15 bucks and get the Premium Edition which automatically updates for new variations of Ransomware infections. Click on the Image below to download CryptoPrevent. I’ll post a video later of me using it on a test machine to see how it stand up against ransomware infections.
Do you have a backup?
Step 5
If you stared off into the ether again then the answer probably is no. Now would be a good time to setup a good backup solution. A good backup plan will help protect you from hardware failure or future malware threats. Oh and if you’re saying but wait I have Carbonite or some other program, just go along with me.
I recommend Acronis Backup Software. The other programs that you’re probably use to using only backup your files. Acronis creates an entire image of your computer and backs up not only your files but your applications and settings. Having a full backup image of your system helps you to recover faster from a failed hard drive or bad Ransomeware infection. Acronis allows you to automatically backup to a local hard drive and to the Cloud.
If you have home computer or a basic workstation click on the link below:
Acronis Backup for Workstations (True Image 2017)
If you’re an IT professional or looking to backup a server then click on the link below:
Acronis Backup for Servers
Click on the Business Tab and select the option that best suits you.
Acronis Server products are equipped to handle Active Directory, Exchange, and all flavors of Windows Server from old to new. I love Acronis because it allows you to perform Bare-Metal Backups of your system, meaning that if your server is infected it can restore everything back like nothing ever happened!
I hope these steps help to empower you to protect your data from future ransomware attacks. If after reading all this you’re like “screw it, I don’t feel like doing all this!” Then please feel free to call and schedule a remote appointment with a computer repair tech at Half Price Geeks.
For a flat rate of $149.00 a skilled tech will work with you for up to 3 hours to do all the items listed in the article, the price does not include the purchase of the various products. Call 1-877-774-3357 or go online to www.halfpricegeeks.com/schedule-a-geek and ask for the I Don’t Wanna Cry Remote Checkup Package. Please feel free to leave a comment and like us on Facebook and subscribe to us on Youtube.