WannaCry, a crypto-ransomware, has affected 100-150 countries, including India also known as WannaCrypt, had attacked India and about 150 other countries on May 12.
The WannaCrypt 2.0 virus encrypts limitless data available on a computer within seconds of hacking it. As soon as the system is hacked, a window appears on the screen. It states that the computer will be freed from the virus after ransom payment of $ 300 in Bitcoins within 3 days, after which the payment is doubled.
A large number of ATM systems have been equipped with Microsoft XP, hence ATMs are most vulnerable to attack. It is advisable to avoid any ATM transactions for a couple of days. Andhra Pradesh ATM’s are reported to have been attacked by malware.
WannaCrypt exploits the known shortcomings of an old Microsoft Operating System, XP. However, Microsoft had launched an updated form to avoid the risk back in March. The company officials also advised all organisations to upgrade their systems for thwarting malware infiltration.
If the virus infiltrates into your computer, remember to shut down your computer as early as possible. Don’t pay the ransom amount as there is no surety that the data will be retrieved after payment.
Government agencies like RBI, Indian stock markets are likely to become victimized. The Digital security agencies have cautioned RBI, stock markets and banks against the prevalent attack.
Don’t open suspicious e-mails. Avoid opening mails from unidentified sources. Avoid surfing and being directed to fishy websites. For a couple of days, it is advisable to only visit trusted sites, if really necessary.
Until the technical experts devise a proper way to stop this menacing situation, let us act as ration citizens to avoid any quantum of loss.
