On the other end of the line, a groggy voice answered. "Hello?"
As the line rang, Leo stared at the server. It was 2008 hardware, running 2008 software, protected by a 2016 antivirus that hadn't seen a definition update in 18 months.
He tapped the spacebar. The screen flickered to life. 2008 server antivirus
And then he saw it. A window he hadn't opened. A jagged, red shield with a white X in the middle.
He picked up his phone. Not to call his boss—it was 3 a.m. He called the only person who could save the company now: a data recovery specialist three states away who charged $2,000 an hour. On the other end of the line, a groggy voice answered
He did the only thing left. He opened Notepad. He typed two lines:
Leo’s hand moved to the network cable. He yanked it out. The plastic clip broke, but he didn't care. The screen went momentarily quiet. He tapped the spacebar
"Of course," he whispered.