Ransomware Attack- The Biggest Cyber Attack of the Decade

Ransomware attacks are going viral worldwide presently. India is on high alert, monitoring critical networks across sectors like banking, telecom, power and aviation. To ensure that systems are protected in the wake of possible cyber-attack by ransomware ‘WannaCry’ on the country’s vital networks. ‘WannaCry’ has disrupted networks in over 150 countries, including Russia and the UK, and is being termed as one of the most widespread cyber-attacks in the history. Reports suggest that over two lakh systems globally could have been infected by the malicious software. However, there is no serious impact in India due to Ransomware, said Ravi Shankar Prasad, IT Minister. But it may prove dangerous in the future. To prevent this scenario, you should strengthen your IT infrastructure by installing antivirus and anti-malware software to avert any data loss or data hijack.

What Ransomware is?

Ransomware is a malicious software that hijacks your data and ask you to pay ransom in order to get back control of the system. The software encrypts the files and locks the devices so you do not have control over your devices, such as computer, tablet or smart phone. The solution asks for a ransom in return to give the data back. If you fail to give the amount, it will raise the amount. One of the well-known malicious software is Wannacry.

Detail about Wannacry:

Wannacry is also known as WannaCryptor, WCrypt, WCRY, ETC. It is a kind of a ransomware that attacks windows based machines. It uses Eternal Blue MS17-010 to propagate. It spreads in no time when user clicks or download the malicious files through the internet and email. Since window’s SMB is vulnerable to such software, thus, the malicious software can spread automatically. It scans the network for a port and vulnerability, once it finds his home, it injects a malware in the new machine and thus spreads across the globe.

How to Prevent This:

Do not click any unknown link or download any unknown file. Upgrade your system with advanced IT infrastructure or install anti-ransomware software.