UPDATE – May 15 2017
MAJOR RANSOMWARE ATTACK.
The ransomware known as WannaCry has been attacking hundreds of thousands of Windows XP and newer Microsoft OS computers around the world.
This is based on a Microsoft hack (or exploit) known as EternalBlue, believed to have been created by the US National Security Agency, and later stolen by the hacker organization known as Shadow Brokers.
Essentially, XP computers CANNOT be reliably patched, and Vista/Win7/Win8/Win10 computers can be patched via Microsoft Updates.
The best protection is to ensure that you DO have Windows Update running and have obtained the March “Security Rollup Update” MS017-17 from Microsoft.
For XP machines, I recommend that you disable Client for Microsoft Networks, since XP machines rarely need to transfer files from computer to computer any longer. That way, you could still use the XP computer to program that antique VHF/UHF radio collection you have.
This is a new page we’re working on, to allow ARES operators to learn more about how to protect their computers and home networks from threats on the public Internet.
I’ll be adding some other information as time goes on. Please feel free to email me any PC-home network security websites you would like to share with other members, and I’ll review and add here.