Ransomware outbreak and opinion

Many news articles over the past weekend drew attention to ransomware known as “WannaCry” and the global impact it is having.

While the damage to some users is severe, the systems that it has affected are older and unpatched. Microsoft released a security update for this flaw in March 2017, and the systems here at Widener are set to automatically update.  As a result, we’ve received no reports of this malware impacting our systems.

Microsoft’s President and Chief Legal Officer wrote a blog post about the event and offers some wisdom around security and the responsibilities of organizations to prevent the proliferation of hacking tools.

https://blogs.microsoft.com/on-the-issues/2017/05/14/need-urgent-collective-action-keep-people-safe-online-lessons-last-weeks-cyberattack/

Please remember to regularly update your personal computers and handheld devices.  If you need assistance, please contact the ITS Helpdesk at 1047, or at helpdesk@widener.edu.