Wanna Decryptor Ransomware: New CyberAttack which threatens the World

By Shariq Hussain

Posted on May 15, 2017

NHS (National Health Service) Digital recently confirmed that the recent NHS cyber attack used the Wanna Decryptor ransomware to infect the systems of at least 24 UK trusts. The attacks are being blamed on a piece of malware called WCry, WannaCry or Wana Decryptor, alleged to have been stolen from the National Security Agency.

It is said that attack will hit both the private and public sectors. Since Friday, more than 200,000 victims in around 150 countries have been infected by the ransomware which originated in the UK and Spain on Friday before spreading globally. Europol’s chief has warned the threat of the cyber attack which took down international services “will continue to grow” when people return to work on Monday.

The attacks appeared to be the largest ransomware assault on record, but the scope of the damage was hard to measure. It was not clear if victims were paying the ransom, which began at about $300 to unlock

What is Wanna Decryptor Ransomware?

Wanna Decryptor is an encryption-based ransomware, which is also known as WannaCry or WCRY. The malware can directly decrypt system files using a unique decryption key. It can affect Windows Vista, 7, 8, 10 and versions of the Windows Server software.

The malware kidnap your system file and demand for money in order to release your files which may be multimedia files, office files, personal files or even system file on which your computer relies to run properly.

The hackers sends an un-silicious email with an attachment on your email which claims to be banking email or from delivering company.

The malware attacks in two phases:
First, the virus’s file coder will encrypt the file of your system and secondly its displays a lock screen which will lock your computer and stops you from using it, until you pay them.

How can you tell if a computer has been infected?

The ransomware called Wanna Decrypt, also known as WannaCry, encrypts files on the machine, effectively locking them.

A message will appear onscreen with a ransom demand, countdown timer, and bitcoin wallet to pay funds into.

Lock Screen of Ransomware attack

How can you Protect Your system:

The safest way to protect yourself is to avoid clicking links from unknown sources. Security experts have strongly recommended all Windows users fully update their system with the latest available patches.

Also backup any important data and ensure the latest WannaCry patch is installed. A final fail-safe is to shut down vulnerable systems.

What to do If you get attacked:

The National Crime Agency encourages victims not to pay any ransom and to contact Action Fraud. Information and support can be found on the NCSC website.

By paying you can help to create a new market for cyber criminals, which could lead to further cyber attacks.

Investigators from around the globe, including the National Crime Agency (NCA), are working non-stop to hunt down those responsible for the Wanna Decryptor ransomware, also known as WannaCry.

Also, read how to keep you System Safe and Protected.

Wanna Decryptor Ransomware: New CyberAttack which threatens the World