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Socket Connection Issue 76 - May 2017
What is WannaCry?
While the US managed to avoid the brunt of the damage, a fast-moving computer worm called WannaCry managed to shut down hospitals, delay trains, and lock entire companies out of their work stations around the world. 

Here's how it worked, and how it was stopped.

Continue Reading Below...
Dear Techie: Should I Be Using a Password Manager? 
Here are a few free options to start out with.
Socket is Now Hiring - Join Our Team!
 We're looking for talented people with a drive to succeed.
Socketeer Spotlight: Steven Sullivan!
Meet Socket's You-Make-The-Difference Award Winner for April!
Top Three Sites of the Month
Story Continued...
 
WannaCry began spreading from an unknown computer in Europe on May 12th. Within 24 hours, it had infected hundreds of thousands of computers, encrypting their files and displaying a ransom note. If $300 was not sent to the hacker's secure Bitcoin account within a week, the user's files would be lost forever.

Microsoft was aware of this vulnerability and had released a security patch for Windows 10 a few months prior. However, computers running older versions of Windows, like 7 and XP, were still vulnerable, as were unlicensed Windows users, who were unable to download security patches.

One of the most high-profile victims was the National Health Service in England. Because of the loss of many of their computer systems, hospitals were forced to divert ambulances, turn away non-critical emergency cases, and scramble to get essential equipment like MRI scanners and blood-storage units working again.

Emergency security patches and fast-thinking researchers managed to stop the spread of WannaCry after just a few days. But it was still too late for many people whose files remained encrypted. Many who paid the ransom still didn't have their files unlocked, and if they didn't have backups, those files might be gone forever now.

This may not be the last we've seen of WannaCry, or attacks like it. Always make sure to download security updates, and upgrade to actively supported operating systems like Windows 8 or 10. Additionally, make sure that any important files are backed up on a secure or offline device.

Dear Techie: Should I Be Using a Password Manager?

Do you have issues remembering all your passwords? Or, worse - are you using the same password for all of your online accounts?

A password manager allows you to create and save long, complex, and most importantly, unique passwords for each of your many important (and some not-so-important) accounts. The only password you need to memorize is the one for the password manager.

There are, of course, tradeoffs - while it's certainly convenient, a password manager is essentially putting all of your eggs in a single, hackable basket. But it can be far easier to secure one valuable password with things like two-factor authentication and periodic password resets than it would for all of your individual accounts.

Want to give one a shot? Here are a few free options to start:

Lastpass: One of the most popular password managers out there, Lastpass is cloud-based, offering password sync to all your devices. It generates complicated passwords, audits your current ones, autofills login forms, and keeps track of when to switch up old or duplicated passwords. 

LogMeOnce: Boasting many of the same features as Lastpass, LogMeOnce offers extra security options for your master account. While you can stick with a traditional password, you can also utilize fingerprint scanning or facial recognition instead. 

Some other free password managers include Dashlane and StickyPassword. And while not perfect, they're still a good deal more secure than a Post-It on your monitor or a Word file filled with passwords.

Information contained in 'Dear Techie' is intended as general advice. If you'd like more information or assistance, please contact Socket's Technical Support team at 1-800-762-5383.

Socket is Now Hiring - Join Our Team!

Over twenty years ago, a small handful of people ran the entirety of Socket's network. Today, Socket employs over 150 people – and we’re still growing!
 
We’re looking for engineers, technicians, construction workers, programmers, customer service agents, accountants, and everything in between. If you’re ready to grow with a local company, visit www.socket.net/careers to find a position that’s right for you.
 
Socket is an equal opportunity employer.  
 

Socketeer Spotlight: Steven Sullivan, Technical Support Agent

Congratulations to Steven Sullivan, Socket’s You-Make-The-Difference Award Winner for April!

Steven had been familiar with Socket as a company since the early 2000s, back when headquarters were on downtown Cherry Street in Columbia. After a brief stint in Wisconsin, Steven returned to Missouri and began looking for a job with a local tech company – and “the idea of working for a locally owned one appealed more” to him.

He’s now a member of our residential technical support team, helping customers, as he puts it, “over the occasional hurdle in modern technology.” He’s also a reliable team member, and valuable source of knowledge, to his fellow techs.

“He’s an amazing person to work with,” said a coworker who nominated him for the award. “He’s friendly to every customer, and makes sure that everything’s done correctly. He’s always willing to help others, and goes out of his way to do so.”

When he’s not at work, Steven enjoys biking and being outdoors, as well as cooking at home (often with a beer or two)! He’s also a bit of a traveler – Steven’s spent timing living on all major coasts of the US, as well as in between.

“The coworkers are absolutely the best thing about working at Socket,” said Steven. “And there’s also how extraordinarily happy some customers are when you get them up and running.”

Congratulations, Steven!

Sites of the Month:

Three great websites to check out this month:

Slideshow Deslideifier: (deslide.clusterfake.net)
Copy the URL of the slideshow article you're trying to read, and this site will transform all the slides into a single page. 


WannaCry Tracker: (intel.malwaretech.com)
A live map of current WannaCry infections. Each ping is a newly infected computer attempting to "check in" after the worm has spread.


Faces of Power: (facesofpower.net)
A stylized rendering of every US President, along with basic details on their life, campaign slogans and historical context.  

 
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