Last summer, Wired reported the devastating impact NotPetya had on companies around the world. It infected companies like Merck and shipping giant Maersk, spreading from computer to computer until even IT was helpless to respond. PCs weren't NotPetya’s only victims, because machines like ATMs and Point of Sale systems still run on Windows, some on versions as old as Windows 2000. According to a Wired's reporting, the cost of NotPetya’s initial impact was $10 billion.
NotPetya’s impact continues to grow, with reports that insurance companies are refusing payouts, because it was due to “warlike action.” This will increase the cost that already eclipses that of infections like WannaCry.
What this shows is that we all have a lot to learn about securing our networks. The first, and most critical step, is knowing what's on your network. In the case of defending yourself against NotPetya, not just the Windows PCs, but also all the machines and devices that run on Windows, and all the devices whose operation depends on communication with Windows PCs.
Until we are all aware of the technology we depend on and the risks associated with those assets, we will continue to see stories like NotPetya unfold long after their initial impact.
What this shows is that we all have a lot to learn about securing our networks. The first, and most critical step, is knowing what's on your network. In the case of defending yourself against NotPetya, not just the Windows PCs, but also all the machines and devices that run on Windows, and all the devices whose operation depends on communication with Windows PCs.
Until we are all aware of the technology we depend on and the risks associated with those assets, we will continue to see stories like NotPetya unfold long after their initial impact.
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