CU*Answers, the 100% credit union-owned data processing CUSO, recently warned credit unions about a new malware that is trying to duplicate the recent WannaCry attack. The new form of malware is known as Petya. Petya is considered worse than WannaCry because it reboots the PC and prevents the PC from booting up while the malware is encrypting.

Because it uses the same vulnerability as WannaCry, the application of the Microsoft patch (MS17-010) will prevent Petya infections. CU*Answers networks are protected against Petya since this patch has already been applied. CU*Answers CNS Managed Complete Care clients are also patched and protected against Petya. If you are not a Complete Care client, please review your network and ensure this update is applied to all your systems.

Based on reports, Petya typically gets into a network via an infected Microsoft Office document attached to a spam or phishing email. As always, we recommend caution when opening email attachments.