A new strain of ransomware, a Petya-esque variant being called Petya/NotPetya,
is swiftly spreading across the globe today, impacting tens of thousands of
computers as of 2:00 p.m., PST. More powerful, professional, and dangerous than
 last month's WanaCrypt0r attack, the Petya-esque ransomware uses the same
EternalBlue exploit to target vulnerabilities in Microsoft's operating system.
However, unlike WanaCrypt0r, this ransomware instructs you to reboot your
computer and then locks up your entire system. Long story short: if you get
this infection, you're hosed.
 
We're alerting you to reassure you that if you're currently using the premium
version (or the premium trial) of Malwarebytes with real-time protection turned
 on, you are protected from this threat. Our premium technology blocks the
Peyta-inspired ransomware before it can encrypt your system. (The free version
of Malwarebytes, however, does not protect you against this attack. To see
which version you have, open up your Malwarebytes software and look for the
version name at the top of the window.)
 
If you're not currently using the premium version of Malwarebytes, we recommend
 that you update your Microsoft Windows software immediately. Microsoft
released a patch for this vulnerability in March. You may access the patch
here. We also recommend you be extra vigilant about opening emails, as one
suspected method for spreading this infection is through infected Office
documents delivered via spam.
 
If you're thinking about paying the ransom for this threat ($300 in Bitcoin per
 PC)-don't bother. The email service that hosted the address where victims were
 instructed to send payment has closed the account. So at this point trying to
pay the ransom will result in a returned email. However, the attackers may
provide their victims with alternative forms of payment transactions.
 
Cyberattacks at a global scale seem to be happening more and more frequently.
At Malwarebytes, we pledge to keep our customers and readers informed. Your
safety is our number one priority.
 
Sincerely,
 
The Malwarebytes team
 
 
Regards,
 
Roger

--- PQUSA
 * Origin: NCS BBS - Houma, LoUiSiAna (1:3828/7)