Few days ago, the pandemic ‘WannaCry’ surfaced like anything. Studies show more than 45,000 attacks are made every single day which is quite a large number. Want to know what it is and how it started? Continue reading further and discover everything you must know.
What Actually Happened?
All of a sudden, several large organizations got infected by infection simultaneously. Yes, you got it right; it was nothing else but the ransomware, ‘WannaCry’. Infecting more than 200,000 computers, it became one of the biggest technological threats. Looking at the data, it was clear that maximum attacks were experienced in Russia; however, India, Ukraine and Taiwan also suffered serious damage. What’s more shocking is the fact that WannaCry hit 74 countries on its first day of attack.
What is WannaCry?
The first thing that must be known is that the ransomware has two parts:
Here, the thing that differentiates WannaCry from other encryptors is the first part. In order to infect a PC with a common encryptor, a mistake has to be done on the users’ part. For instance, clicking a suspicious link, allowing Word to run a harmful macro or downloading a doubtful attachment from an email. It is important to note that this ransomware has the ability to infect a system even when the user does nothing.
Who’s Most Vulnerable?
The most susceptible targets are Windows-powered PCs that do not have updated software. It has been found that the malware travels across corporate networks and spreads through file-sharing systems. Now, the worst thing is that corporate systems are usually controlled by IT department and it is them who decide when to send updates. Therefore, even if one PC is vulnerable, it will make every other system on the corporate network at risk; thus, making it easy for the malware to create a large impact. It is useful to know that this ransomware has nothing to do with Android, Mac and iPhone.
How to Defend Against WannaCry?
It is disappointing to know that there is no way out to decrypt files that have been encrypted by WannaCry. However, there are ways to prevent the infection and make the damage as less as possible:
How to Deal With an Infected PC?
Though there’s nothing much one can do but they must avoid paying any ransom, as there’s no guarantee of getting everything back that’s lost. Also, it would be good to disconnect from the internet as it will ensure no further damage or exfiltrating of data is done. Attempts are being made to come up with a fee ’fix’ to decrypt the files and remove the infection. However, there’s it’s not definite whether it would be possible or not to get back the lost files.
This is everything you must know about this malicious bug that has taken the world by storm. Be careful with your online activities and you will surely protect your computer from getting infected. Keep an eye on the latest updates to stay tuned about up-to-minute information. Last but certainly not the least, don’t panic as all you need is a bit more careful approach and nothing will affect your PC.
WannaCry works by exploiting a vulnerability in the Windows SMB protocol (Server Message Block), which is used for sharing files across networks. This vulnerability, called EternalBlue, was a zero-day exploit that had been developed by the NSA (National Security Agency) but was leaked by a hacking group known as The Shadow Brokers.
Once WannaCry entered a network, it quickly spread to other computers by leveraging the SMB vulnerability. This allowed it to target not just individual computers but entire networks, locking users out of their files and demanding payment in Bitcoin for their release. The ransomware displayed a screen informing users that their files were encrypted and provided instructions on how to pay the ransom.
A major turning point in the WannaCry attack was the discovery of the WannaCry killswitch. Security researcher Marcus Hutchins discovered that WannaCry contained a hidden domain it was trying to contact to further propagate the attack. Hutchins registered the domain, effectively stopping the ransomware from spreading further.
The discovery of the WannaCry killswitch was instrumental in halting the attack and preventing further damage. If the domain had not been registered, WannaCry could have spread unchecked, causing even more havoc.
The WannaCry cyberattack hit over 230,000 computers in more than 150 countries. The attack was particularly damaging to organizations that had not applied the patch released by Microsoft in March 2017. Many systems that were running outdated versions of Windows, such as Windows XP, were vulnerable to the attack.
The NHS (National Health Service) in the UK was one of the most prominent victims of WannaCry, with over 40 hospitals and clinics being affected. The attack led to the cancellation of medical appointments, delays in patient care, and a temporary shutdown of critical services.
The WannaCry ransomware spread rapidly due to the exploitation of the EternalBlue vulnerability. The worm-like nature of WannaCry allowed it to self-propagate across networks without requiring user interaction. This is what made the attack so dangerous, as it could spread from computer to computer automatically, causing massive disruption.
In addition to EternalBlue, WannaCry also used DoublePulsar, a backdoor implant that allowed the ransomware to install itself on a victim’s system. Once installed, it began encrypting files and displayed the ransomware WannaCry screen demanding payment.
The WannaCry attack had far-reaching consequences for businesses and organizations globally. In total, WannaCry caused billions of dollars in damages, though the exact financial loss is difficult to quantify. The attack disrupted critical infrastructure, with hospitals, banks, telecommunications companies, and other organizations being affected.
One of the major impacts of the WannaCry attack was the NHS WannaCry case, where hospitals were forced to cancel appointments, and medical services were halted due to encrypted systems. This brought attention to the vulnerabilities within healthcare systems and the risks associated with outdated software.
There are several key actions you can take to protect yourself from ransomware like WannaCry:
The NHS WannaCry attack serves as one of the most well-known case studies of ransomware’s impact. The attack affected hospitals, clinics, and surgeries across the UK, leading to canceled appointments and disrupted medical services.
Many of the systems within the NHS were running outdated versions of Windows, which were vulnerable to the EternalBlue exploit. As a result, WannaCry was able to spread rapidly within the organization, causing widespread disruption.
The NHS WannaCry incident highlighted the importance of keeping software up to date and the dangers of using unsupported systems in critical infrastructure like healthcare. In response to the attack, the UK government allocated funding to improve cybersecurity across public services.
While it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact financial damage caused by WannaCry, estimates suggest that the attack resulted in losses ranging from $4 billion to $8 billion globally. This includes the costs associated with restoring systems, lost productivity, and reputational damage to affected organizations.
WannaCry also demonstrated how ransomware attacks can disrupt not just businesses but entire nations, as seen in the NHS WannaCry case. The attack underscored the need for a stronger, more coordinated approach to cybersecurity, especially for critical infrastructure.
The creators of WannaCry are widely believed to be associated with the Lazarus Group, a hacking group with ties to North Korea. The group has been linked to various high-profile cyberattacks, including the Sony Pictures hack in 2014. Though no one has officially claimed responsibility for the attack, the evidence points to the Lazarus Group’s involvement in the WannaCry cyberattack.
The WannaCry attack raised questions about state-sponsored cyberattacks and the growing role of ransomware in geopolitical tensions.
The WannaCry attack remains one of the most significant cyber attacks of the 21st century, and its impact is still being felt today. While the immediate threat of WannaCry has been largely contained, ransomware remains a significant danger to businesses, governments, and individuals.
By staying vigilant, applying software patches, using strong security measures, and educating yourself about the dangers of ransomware, you can protect yourself from attacks like WannaCry. With cyber threats continuing to evolve, it’s essential to stay informed and prepared for whatever comes next.
What is WannaCry ransomware?
WannaCry is a type of ransomware that encrypts files on infected computers and demands payment to decrypt them.
How did WannaCry spread?
It spread via the EternalBlue vulnerability in Windows SMBv1, using a worm-like technique to infect other systems automatically.
Who created WannaCry?
It is believed to have been created by the Lazarus Group, a hacking group linked to North Korea.
How much damage did WannaCry cause?
It affected over 230,000 computers in 150+ countries, causing billions in damage, especially disrupting services like the UK’s NHS.
How do I know if I’m infected with WannaCry?
Your files will be locked with a ransom note asking for payment in Bitcoin.
Can WannaCry be removed?
Yes, but files are typically unrecoverable without the decryption key, unless you have backups.
How can I protect my system from WannaCry?
Keep your system updated, use antivirus software, disable SMBv1, and avoid suspicious emails or links.
What happens if I pay the WannaCry ransom?
There’s no guarantee your files will be decrypted, and paying encourages further attacks.
Is WannaCry still active?
While largely contained, new ransomware variants continue to emerge, so staying protected is essential.
What can I do if I’m affected by WannaCry?
Disconnect from the network, remove the malware using security software, and restore from backups if available.
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