WannaCry – The Latest Ransomware That Took the Cyber World by Storm

On 12 May 2017, the WannaCry Ransomware executed its massive cyber-attack around the globe. Known by several other names such as WannaCrypt and Wanna Decryptor, this infection has believed to be spread across  230,000 computers in 150 countries.

How Ransomware Virus Spreads?

Ransomware is a type of malware that locks a computer data and then asks for money to unlock the data. Well, in the WannaCry Ransomware attack, the attackers have used multiple methods to target users such as sending phishing emails and worm on unpatched computer systems. The majorly affected areas under this attack are National Health Service in Britain and several other big companies in countries including Germany, India, Spain, Russia, Romania, Italy, South Korea, etc.

The WannaCry Ransomware contains 3 bitcoin payment addresses that are hard-coded into this malware. However, an interesting point to notice here is that the attackers behind this ransomware infection have made quite a little in terms of profit; the charge for unlocking a victim’s data is as reasonable as $300.

Anti-Ransomware Measures to Prevent Ransomware Attacks

Such international attacks are a strong indication that computer and internet users need to follow best defensive practices in order to secure their data.

• Do not open an email from a sender who is not known to you or looks fishy. Malicious emails generally ask you to click on a provided link or execute a file that is attached to the message. These links and attachments are nothing but malicious content that installs malware on your system without your knowledge. So before you open an email and take any action, you need to think twice.

• It is critically important to update the latest security patches of your OS as they protect your system from cyber threats.

• Ransomware attacks bring the importance of implementing reliable backup techniques into the picture so as to save yourself from paying thousands of dollars as ransom to get your data restored.

• Such international cyber attacks make us learn that it is wise enough to install a security antivirus on our computer systems and mobile phones. An antivirus keeps you informed of the malicious activities, if any, that happen on your computer. Also, it actively scans your PC for malware and deletes it automatically.

REVE Antivirus aims at providing complete protection to online users. Stay tuned with us for more updates on cyber world.