Less than seven weeks after the massive WannaCry attack, another ransomware worm made its way around the world today (June 27).

The ransomware, may be "the worst worm ever seen," according to one expert. There was evidence that it was tied to tax-collection software that the Ukrainian government requires be installed on every workplace computer in the country.

Here is a list of company's infected around the world so far:

Advertising giant WPPGovernment departments in UkraineDutch logistics firm MaerskKiev airportRussian oil firm RosneftMondelez, the confectionary firm which owns Cadbury, has also reported IT issuesThe Madrid office of law firm DLA PiperUS pharmaceutical firm MerckThere’s an early report suggesting the Ukrainian nuclear plant Chernobyl has “switched to manual” radiation monitoring due to the attack

How 'Petya' Ransomware Spreads?

If the malware gets onto a single machine in an enterprise network, it scans the machine for Windows administrative usernames and passwords. It then uses two Windows administration tools, called PSEXEC and WMC, to infect all the machines it can — which will include many home machines connected to the enterprise server via VPN.

Suggested Fix?

Late Tuesday, Israeli researcher Amit Serper with the Boston-based company Cyberreason said that he might have found a "kill switch" within Petya's code.

"I found a way to stop the malware," Serper tweeted. "Create a file in c:windows called perfc with no extension and #petya #Nopetya won't run!"

How to protect yourself?

If you're a home user, make sure your Windows computers have installed at least the April 2017 Windows Update security-patch bundle from Microsoft. If you're not sure, go to Control Panel (Windows 7) or Windows Settings (Windows 8, 8.1 or 10), open Windows Update or Updates and Security, and check for recent patches.Updating the machine fully will provide some degree of protection against today's ransomware worm,

You should also run antivirus software. As of 5:30 pm ET, 39 different antivirus brands detected the ransomware, including Avira, Bitdefender, ESET, Kaspersky, McAfee, Panda, Symantec/Norton and Trend Micro.

You should also back up all of your computers and mobile devices regularly, preferably daily, to both external hard drives and cloud-based backup services.

Then, if your files are locked up by crypto ransomware, you can restore files from backups. But beware that some crypto ransomware encrypts backup drives. It's best to disconnect or switch off backup drives after each backup.

Mobile apps are becoming the dominant form of digital interaction. The customers in today's world are on the move and they're using mobile application platforms to get there. Whether they use mobile phones, tablets or other smart mobile devices - they have all the information they need. That's why mobile apps are important in today's business environment.

Consider these facts:

We are spending more time online than with any other mediaWe are spending much of that digital time on smart mobile devicesTime spent per day on mobile devices has increased 575% in three years80% of the time spent on mobile devices is spent using apps'Internet of Things' gadgets are mobile apps centricApps offer a user experience which even 'Responsive Websites' are unable to provide.

No matter what your business is, a mobile app can help you get and retain customers. We all know that the first place customers go to search for a product or service is online. If your business is available online, and you have an app that users can download to their devices, your business will make a really good impression. At a glance they will be able to see and open your app and interact/ purchase from your business.

Further, it is important to note that promotional email messages receive about a 5% read rate while 'Push' notifications are read by a whopping 97% people.

The choice you make today is going set the foundation for the future of your business. It's on you to decide whether you'd like to be comptetitive in the market

Most of us have needed to call for help at some stage. As a customer on the end of the telephone, waiting for an answer, we may think of IT support people as the "help desk". But in reality, the IT support team in an organisation has much more to contribute. Your IT support people are skilled professionals that can help shape your organisation for success. Today we look at why your IT support team need to have input into your strategic plan.

Understand the infrastructure required for the futureResearch appropriate technology to meet your future needsGive suggestions and have input on technology to make you more productive or effectiveChoose technology that will enable you to reach your goals, rather than just perform tasksTrain others in your wider team to implement and use new technologiesEducate the wider team so they can self-support on day-to-day tasksProactively assist others to get the technology working in the most helpful way for themBe responsive to the changing needs of the organisationContribute to the success of the organisation in an inspiring way…and fix things when they go wrong

For many organisations, the IT support people are the most tech savvy people in the business. They have the ability to solve problems, yes, but they also have the ability to do research and learn about new technologies. If your IT support team understand where your organisation wants to head in the future, if they understand your goals - they can help you get there.

Today we live in a world that depends on technology to succeed, at every level. This is not going to change anytime soon. Every business, every government department, every school and every charity now depends on technology to function. It doesn't matter if you are a large corporate or a small private business. If you don't have the technology that you need to work effectively and efficiently, you will not survive.

So how about this for an idea? Include your IT support staff in your long-term planning. People in the IT support team, once they understand where you are heading, can do the following things:

Technology matters. Now and in the future. Look around in your workplace. Who do you rely on when things break down? Who are the tech-savvy people? Who can you involve at a higher level, to contribute to your future success?

Ransomware is a type of malware that prevents or limits users from accessing their system, either by locking the system's screen or by locking the users' files unless a ransom is paid. More modern ransomware families, encrypt certain file types on infected systems and forces users to pay the ransom through certain online payment methods to get a decrypt key.

Ransomware Infection and Behavior

Users may encounter this threat through a variety of means. Ransomware can be downloaded onto systems when unwitting users visit malicious or compromised websites. It can also arrive as a payload either dropped or downloaded by other malware. Some ransomware are known to be delivered as attachments from spammed email, downloaded from malicious pages through malvertisements, or dropped by exploit kits onto vulnerable systems.

Once executed in the system, ransomware can either lock the computer screen, or, in the case of crypto-ransomware, encrypt predetermined files.

In the first scenario, a full-screen image or notification is displayed on the infected system's screen, which prevents victims from using their system. This also shows the instructions on how users can pay for the ransom.

The second type of ransomware prevents access to potentially critical or valuable files like documents and spreadsheets.

Ransomware Prevention & Defense

There is no silver bullet when it comes to stopping ransomware, but a multi-layered approach that prevents it from reaching networks and systems is the best way to minimize the risk.

Follow these proven tips to avoid damage:

Avoid opening unverified emails or clicking links embedded in them.Back up important files using the 3-2-1 rule—create 3 backup copies on 2 different media with 1 backup in a separate location.Regularly update software, programs, and applications to protect against the latest vulnerabilities.

Finally, stay informed. One of the most common ways that computers are infected with ransomware is through social engineering. Educate yourself on how to detect phishing campaigns, suspicious websites, and other scams. And above all else, exercise common sense. If it seems suspect, it probably is.

Auto-restarts could be a thing of the past.

In an unmistakable about-face -- and a victory for common sense -- Windows 10 will no longer automatically take control of your computer, and flip the reset switch, at the worst moments imaginable.

Mind you, Microsoft will still push updates, and it won't necessarily be easy to completely turn them off.

How it works

The Windows 10 Creators Update, your computer will no longer display itty-bitty, easy-to-ignore reminders about an upcoming update, then wrest control away from you when it's time to install.

Instead, you'll be greeted by a full-screen, impossible-to-ignore prompt that gives you three options: Restart Now, Pick a time or Snooze. The prompt won't go away until you pick one.

Even if you do nothing, and just leave the computer sitting on this screen, Windows won't force a restart. There's no countdown clock.

And if you pick the Snooze button -- say, because you need to get some work done on your computer -- you'll be able to snooze indefinitely.

Point is, Microsoft is listening right now. They heard us on forced updates and auto-restarts, and they may hear us about the next major pain point, too.

Google's replacing its GChat instant message service with its 4-year-old Hangouts. Most people probably won't notice.

If you still use an alternative instant message app to connect to Google, life's about to get harder.

Google is once again streamlining its services, and that means Google Talk (launched in 2005, and also known as Gmail Chat or GChat) is being replaced with Hangouts on June 26.

For most people, this won't mean much other than now it'll be easier to start video conferences and other nifty tricks.

But for people who use instant message apps like Adium and Trillian, the news definitely isn't good. Google's also diminishing support for an industry standard chat system known as XMPP, which most instant message programs rely on. Google says people will be able to continue one-on-one chats, but the message is pretty clear it's time to start relying on Hangouts through Gmail and the Hangouts site.

A Trillian spokesman equally said in a statement that the writing appears to be on the wall for interoperability with alternative instant messenger apps."This is unfortunate: Google was unique as the operators of a federated and open instant messaging network boasting significant market share, and we are always disappointed to see the industry move in the direction of walled gardens," he said.

In case you're worried because Google suddenly has fewer messaging options, remember there's still the Allo secure messenger and Google Voice.

Legacy apps like Google Talk for Android, first released in 2013, will also stop functioning.

Some other changes include upgrades to the Android Messages app so that it handles text messages for Google-powered mobile phones, instead of the Hangouts app. You can read all about it on Google's website.

Using keyboard shortcuts can greatly increase your productivity, reduce repetitive strain, and help keep you focused. For example, to copy text, you can highlight text and press the Ctrl + C shortcut. The shortcut is faster than moving your hands from the keyboard, highlighting with the mouse, choosing copy from the file menu, and then returning to the keyboard.

Below are the top 10 keyboard shortcuts we recommend everyone memorize and use.

Ctrl + C or Ctrl + Insert and Ctrl + X

Both Ctrl + C and Ctrl + Insert will copy highlighted text or a selected item. If you want to cut an item instead of copying it, press Ctrl + X. This action removes the text or item and stores it in the clipboard for you, rather than just copying it to the clipboard while leaving the original behind.

Apple computer users can substitute the Ctrl key for the command (cmd) key on their computers. For example, pressing Cmd + C copies highlighted text.

Ctrl + V or Shift + Insert

Both the Ctrl + V and Shift + Insert will paste the text or object that's stored in the clipboard.

On Apple computers, use Cmd + V instead.

Practice

Use the above text input fields to highlight the "Cut or copy this text" text and press either Ctrl + C to copy or Ctrl + X to Cut the text. Once Cut Move to the next field and press Ctrl + V or Shift + Insert to paste the text.

Ctrl + Z and Ctrl + Y

Pressing Ctrl + Z will undo any change. For example, if you cut text, pressing this key combination will undo the cut. These shortcuts can also be pressed multiple times to undo or redo multiple changes. Pressing Ctrl + Y would redo the undo.

On Apple computers, use Cmd + Z and Cmd + Y to undo and redo.

Use the above text input field to highlight some or all of the text and then press Ctrl + X to cut the text. Once the text has disappeared press the Ctrl + Z to undo the cut.

Tip: If you did the first example as well (cut and paste text) if you continue to press Ctrl + Z it is also going to undo that change.

Ctrl + F

Pressing Ctrl + F opens the Find field, which allows you to search the text currently displayed in any program that supports it. For example, Ctrl + F can be used in your Internet browser to find text on the current page. Press Ctrl + F now to open the Find in your browser and search for "shortcut" to display each time shortcut is mentioned on this page.

On Apple computers, use Cmd + F to find.

Alt + Tab or Ctrl + Tab

Pressing Alt + Tab switches between open programs moving forward. For example, if you have your browser window open and other programs running in the background press and hold Alt and then press the tab key to cycle through each open program.

On Apple computers instead of using the Alt key use the Command (Cmd) key. For Example, Cmd + Tab to switch between open programs.

Bonus Tip: Press Ctrl + Tab to switch between tabs in a program. For example, if you have multiple tabs open in your Internet browser, press Ctrl + Tab to switch between them.

Bonus Tip: Adding the Shift key to Alt + Tab or Ctrl + Tab moves backward. For example, if you are pressing Alt + Tab and pass the program you want to use, press Alt + Shift + Tab to move back to that program.

Bonus Tip: Windows Vista, 7, 8, and 10 users can also press the Windows Key + Tab to switch through open programs in a full screenshot of the window.

Ctrl + Back space and Ctrl + Left or Right arrow

Note: This is for PC users only and does not work on Apple computers

Pressing Ctrl + Backspace will delete a full word at a time instead of a single character.

Holding down the Ctrl key while pressing the left or right arrow will move the cursor one word at a time instead of one character at a time. If you want to highlight one word at a time, hold down Ctrl + Shift and then press the left or right arrow key to move one word at a time in that direction while highlighting each word.

Ctrl + S

While working on a document or other file in almost every program, pressing Ctrl + Ssaves that file. Use this shortcut key frequently if you're working on anything important in case an error happens, you lose power, or any other issues that could cause you to any work since the last save.

On Apple computers, use Cmd + S to save a file.

Ctrl + Home or Ctrl + End

Ctrl + Home will move the cursor to the beginning of the document, and Ctrl + End will move the cursor to the end of a document. These shortcuts work with most documents, as well as web pages.

On Apple computers use Command and the Cmd and the up arrow to get to the beginning of a document or text or Cmd and the down arrow to get to the end of a document or text.

Ctrl + P

Control + P is used to open a print preview of the page or document currently being viewed. For example, press Ctrl + P now to view a print preview of this page.

On Apple computers use Cmd + P to open the print preview.

Page Up, Spacebar, and Page Down

As you may have guessed, pressing either the page up or page down key will move to the next or previous page. When browsing the Internet, pressing the spacebar moves the scrollbar down a page. Similarly, Shift + spacebar moves the scrollbar up one page.