Outsourcing is a super awesome way of getting access to a versatile pool of talent, all the while saving big bucks. However, there are also some risks involved that can leave you with poor-functioning software and/or a buggy product.
And if you’re not very careful, you can encounter utterly disastrous results, which we will look at ahead.
Knowing these will prepare you for the worst-case scenarios in software development, so you don’t have to suffer a similar horrendous fate.
The WannaCry Ransomware Attack
The WannaCry Ransomware Attack exploits a security vulnerability, known as EternalBlue, in the Windows operating system.
This attack was first carried out in 2017 and is still one of the most infamous tools used by scammers. You might have, at least, seen or heard about this one if you are one of the fortunate ones who hasn’t been targeted by this attack.
How Does This Attack Work?
This ransomware encrypts the computer files; then the attackers demand a ransom payment in exchange for decrypting the files and giving you back control of your computer.
If the victim refuses the payment, the attackers threaten to delete the files and data. And still, there isn’t any guarantee the victim would get their data back. They would just have to take the attackers’ word, whatever worth that is.
Consequences
About a third of NHS hospital trusts were affected by this attack, rerouting ambulances while the people in need of urgent care were left stranded. About 19,000 appointments were canceled, causing NHS a whopping £92 million in losses!
The attack was also reported to affect over 230,000 computers in over 150 countries…
The vulnerability was patched by Microsoft in March 2017, but many organizations that relied on outsourcing software development had to wait longer for the patch management cycle – they had to wait for their outsourcing company to develop and deploy the patch.
Lesson From WannaCry Ransomware Attack
The WannaCry ransomware took the corporate world by surprise when it first surfaced, but today it can be avoided, pretty easily. Furthermore, the following techniques will make your system more secure and help fill any security holes regardless of outsourcing software development.
1. Update Your Software ASAP
Software vendors regularly release patches that fix bugs and, more importantly, security vulnerabilities. Install these patches, from trusted vendors, to protect your system from potential attacks.
2. Be Super Careful About What You Click On
Recognizing the majority of malicious links is quite easy. For example, in emails, you shouldn’t click on links from unknown sources. Ransomware attackers would often send malicious links in emails. You can recognize these attacks if they are asking you to download something, especially when they are offering bogus offers.
3. Back-Up Your Data Regularly
Data backups are always highly recommended to have, so you can be proactive in the worst-case scenarios of data losses such as in ransomware attacks. Data backups will also keep your data secured even when natural disasters occur.
4. Use A Security Solution
Antiviruses such as AVG will help protect your system against viruses and ransomware attacks. These keep running in the background and offer features such as “Web Shield” that block malware that might be concealed on a website.
Read also: https://www.tallshipbounty.org/how-cloud-computing-is-used-in-software-development/
Wrap Up
Software development outsourcing might expose some security risks but you can protect yourself and your business against these risks by following the tips mentioned above.
In most scenarios, your outsourcing partner might not even be the culprit behind the attack. However, if you have found yourself (unfortunately) exposed to these viruses, it is never recommended to pay the ransom.
There’s no guarantee you will get your files back, and the virus might still be lurking in your files only to resurface later.
You can deal with it by restoring Windows to a previous version, running an antivirus scan, or reinstalling Windows. Let your IT expert know; they might be able to help you restore your data even if they were deleted permanently.
