Windows 10 update to make Ransomware attacks more difficult

Controlled Folder Access – that’s the name of a new feature coming to Windows which could add extra protection against dangerous Ransomware like WannaCry and Petya.

News coming from technology website The Verge says that Microsoft will include a special tool in their next major update expected in September.

The ‘Controlled Folder Access’ option which will be found in the Windows Defender Security Centre will offer users an option to ‘protect their files and folders from unauthorized changes by unfriendly applications’ thereby preventing a user being ‘locked out’ of their files by a Ransomware attack.

Ransomware is a form of malware created by criminals which locks away a victim’s documents and files until the user pays to have them unlocked. Payment is usually in the form of BitCoins – an online currency which protects the hacker’s identity. However, while as many as 44% of Ransomware victims pay up, there is no guarantee that they will ever get back the files and documents which the hacker has stolen.

There is a growing concern among both private and public sector organisations about how to combat Ransomware, which prior to recent attacks on the NHS and large firms like DLA Piper, Evraz, WWP and Saint-Gobain had been seen largely as a problem for individual IT users rather than companies.

With the ease at which Ransomware spreads internally through networks, the difficulty of removal and the damage both financially and in terms of reputation, it’s vital that businesses take steps to protect themselves. This means upgrading to the latest version of Windows at the earliest opportunity and performing regular patch updates across their entire network as part of a wider cyber security strategy.

Here at ECL we have extensive experience in protecting businesses against the latest malware, computer hacks, viruses, spam, phishing scams and other threats and can advise you on the best methods of protecting your business. We can also help businesses to update their systems to run the latest and most secure version of Windows available. For more information please, please call us on 01268 575300 or email us on info@ecl.co.uk.