On May 12, 2017, a ransomware attack was targetedagainst Microsoft Windows operating systems worldwide.
The attack is commonly referred to as 'WannaCry'. Microsoft'scustomer guidance on this topic, including software patches, can befound here.
Some Sidel Group equipment uses Microsoft Windows software.Therefore, in addition to the official guidance from Microsoft, theSidel Group can provide the following notes:
- Please read the official guidance from Microsoft and follow such guidelinesshould you determine necessary.
- The security of any Windows operating system is foremostdependent on its network security and infrastructure environment.The same is true for a Windows operating system used on yourpackaging line. Any questions relating to your network security,network infrastructure and Windows security should be directed toyour appropriate internal or external information technologypartner.
- If you have not taken the necessary security preventionmeasures, you may want to consider running your beverage productionequipment in local mode only, with no internet or networkconnection enabled.
- To further secure a Windows operating system on your packagingline you could consider installing the patches provided byMicrosoft. In some cases this may also necessitate an upgrade ofthe Windows operating system software. For older machines thiscould potentially also require a hardware upgrade of some kind.(The patches from Microsoft cannot be installed on all versions ofWindows, only on more modern versions.)
- Please always consult with an appropriate and qualifiedinformation technology expert before installing a software patch,to ensure that the patch application does not interfere with anyother critical software functionality needed for the successfuloperation of the machine. An unsuccessful patch installation couldaffect the smooth running of the equipment.
- Should you determine it necessary to install a patch, wesuggest testing the patch before installation.
If you require further support on this topic please first referto your local information technology partner or Microsoft partner.Your local Sidel Group representative can also provide support ifrequired.