The PCI Security Standard Council recently released a Defending Against Ransomware Resource Guide for merchants that SpeedLine recommends that all of our customers read. They have also posted to their blog about it (3 Things To Know About Ransomware, Fast).
What is ransomware? It's diabolical software that usually infects a computer system by pretending to be an invoice or similar attachment through a generic looking email, though it can also be downloaded through your Internet browser. The moment a user opens it, the payload is launched, and within seconds all important looking documents on your system have been encrypted in such a way that you can no longer access them! A text file created in the same folder as your files will instruct you to transfer money to the makers of the software in order to receive a key to decrypt your files. The alternative is usually just to reformat the computer, destroying the ransomware and your files.
SpeedLine Desktop is the recommended method for running our point of sale software, as it limits users to non-administrative privileges and access only to our programs; no email and no Internet browsing. This is one way to protect your computers and your business from ransomware.
In addition, an updated computer is a good line of defense for this virus-like software. When SpeedLine is installed, Windows Update is configured to check for important updates automatically every week. Please make sure that your computers can access Windows Update, as some corporately managed firewalls may restrict access to this important online resource.
Jim Allison
Technical Product Lead
SpeedLine Solutions Inc.
