WannaCry: The Global Ransomware Attack

By now, the ransomware cyber-attack which started on Friday has infected more than 200 000 computers in 150 countries, and, as per security researchers, this number will continue to rise. The ransomware, which is known as Wannacry, mainly target old or unpatched Microsoft Windows operating system by locking the device. To unlock the device, the user must pay a ransom of $300. This piece of malware lock the computer by encrypting its hard disk, preventing users from getting access to their files. They are presented with a screen where steps of how to decrypt their device is published. Big companies such as British NHS, FedEx and Telefonica have fallen victims of the cyber-attack.

Hackers behind this attack has been using EthernalBlue, an exploit developed by the NSA to identified flaws in Microsoft SMB protocol, and which was leaked in the dark web by a hacking group called Shadow Brokers. Microsoft released an update to patch the vulnerability on its newer version in March. Many users and administrators have failed to apply the updates, making it easier for the ransomware to spread more quickly.  As many small businesses and individuals are still using older version of operating system, Microsoft took an unusual step by releasing updates for Windows XP, Windows 8, and Windows Server 2003 so that all users can patch their system.

We advise our readers to apply the patch released by Microsoft as soon as possible and not to open any files received from an unknown source.

Microsoft Updates Catalogue [Click Here!]