The WannaCry ransomware made cybersecurity history in 2017, crippling hundreds of thousands of systems worldwide. The attack was on an unprecedented scale, notably affecting the UK’s National Health Service, causing recovery costs of £92 million and nearly 20,000 cancelled appointments. Six years on from this attack, the lessons learned from WannaCry ransomware remain relevant in 2023. Experts even predict a high probability of another attack on the scale of WannaCry this year, due to current global tensions and the likely possession of suitable exploits by the most sophisticated threat actors. As the cyberthreat landscape continues to evolve, it’s imperative to remember past attacks to better prepare for future challenges.
What is WannaCry?
WannaCry is an example of cryptographic ransomware, a type of malware used by cybercriminals to extort money. It targets computers running Microsoft Windows as their operating system, encrypts data and demands a Bitcoin ransom payment for its return. But what exactly does this mean? And how does WannaCry work?
To understand WannaCry, it’s useful to understand what ransomware is. Ransomware is a type of malware that takes a user’s data hostage. There are two main types of ransomware: cryptographic ransomware and lock-in ransomware. Cryptographic ransomware, like WannaCry, encrypts the user’s files, while lockout ransomware locks the user out of their system.
The WannaCry attack
The WannaCry attack was a global outbreak that took place in May 2017. This ransomware attack spread across computers running Microsoft Windows. Users’ files were taken hostage, and a Bitcoin ransom was demanded for their return.
The cybercriminals responsible for the attack took advantage of a weakness in the Microsoft Windows operating system, using a hack allegedly developed by the U.S. National Security Agency. Known as EternalBlue, this flaw was made public by a hacker group called the Shadow Brokers prior to the WannaCry attack.
The WannaCry attack affected around 230,000 computers worldwide, causing an estimated $4 billion in losses worldwide.
How to protect yourself?
To protect yourself against WannaCry, it’s essential to regularly update your software and operating system. Avoid clicking on suspicious links and never open untrusted attachments. Also make sure you regularly back up your data to an external hard drive or cloud storage.
In addition, using a VPN when using public Wi-Fi can help protect your system from attack. Finally, installing Internet security software can provide additional protection against ransomware and other types of malware.
SOS Ransomware: Your ally against ransomware
In the face of threats like WannaCry, it’s essential to have a reliable partner to help you navigate the cybersecurity landscape. SOS Ransomware is an expert in helping organizations deal with ransomware incidents. With SOS Ransomware, you can rest easy knowing you have maximum protection against ransomware attacks.
But SOS Ransomware doesn’t just react to ransomware attacks. They’re also dedicated to preventing ransomware attacks by educating their customers on cybersecurity best practices and providing tools to help protect their systems.
