How Can I Avoid the Cyber-Attack That's Struck 200,000 People Worldwide? Patch Up!

Over the weekend, the world saw a cyber-attack on more than 200,000 users across 150-plus countries, with their files held to ransom.

The 'WannaCrypt' attack has taken advantage of older Microsoft operating systems with major security holes, and users who've not yet patched those holes with the latest update.

It stops owners from logging into their computer and displays a screen explaining that their information has been decrypted, instructing them to pay a $US300 ransom within three days via Bitcoin, an anonymous (and often, untraceable) digital payment system.

If no payment is made after the three days, the ransom is doubled. After seven days without payment, the malware warns that the user's files will be deleted forever. 

While only one attack has been reported on an Australian business so far, the figure is set to rise.

ABC News spoke to Dan Tehan, assistant minister for cyber-security, who warned that small-to-medium-sized businesses could soon be affected. (Government departments are reportedly protected.)

"We are now getting reports that there might be two other incidents so that would bring the total number of incidents in Australia to three," Tehan said.

The spread of the attack has been halted for now, thanks to a Twitter user with the handle @MalwareTechBlog who accidentally found a "kill switch".

So I can only add"accidentally stopped an international cyber attack" to my Résumé. ^^

— MalwareTech (@MalwareTechBlog) May 13, 2017

MalwareTech explained that they were investigating the malware to look for weaknesses after they saw that the attack had affected vulnerable hospital patients. 

In light of this massive attack, we're going to give you a run down of what to do if you think you’re vulnerable.

I have a Microsoft computer. Will I get hacked too?

The people affected right now are those with computers running on Microsoft Windows. More specifically, it seems to be affecting mostly Windows XP users (but has also hit those running Windows 7, 8 and 2003) who haven’t updated their system with the latest patch released in March.

They are getting this message as they try to log in to their computers.

@NHSEngland under cyber attack with no access to patient records causing delays to treatment. Scumbags stooping to new lows! #NHS #Cyber pic.twitter.com/BKTmToHC3a

— Mubin Ibrahim (@Doc_Mubs) May 12, 2017

While MalwareTech may have temporarily halted the chance of the cyber attack spreading to more computers, they have warned that as soon as that loophole is fixed, it will continue to spread again.

Okay, how do I stop it from reaching mine?

The only known way to stop it from reaching your computer to is to update your Windows with the latest patch, which can be found here. While Windows 10 users aren't likely to be vulnerable, it never hurts to keep your operating systems as updated as possible.

In an age where people can orchestrate mass cyber attacks from their bedrooms while remaining completely anonymous, it is important not to become complacent with your online security.

Look into protecting yourself with anti-virus software, be vigilant with updating patches and new versions, avoid dodgy websites and keep yourself in the loop with the latest tactics in scamming among other general red flags.

It might just save you a buck, and maybe even all your personal information and files too.

Photo: iStock