WHAT IS WannaCry VIRUS : HOW IT EFFECTS TO YOUR SYSTEM

What is Ransomware?

Ransomware is a kind of cyber attack wherein the hackers take control of the computer system and block access to it. Then they demand ransom from the owner/operators of the computer system and don’t leave the system until the ransom is paid. The attack is launched by downloading a malicious software on a system within the network. This is done by targeting one particular victim, by getting her/him to click on a link that starts the download automatically.

Once the malware is on any computer in the network, it can begin the attack by locking all the files that it can access within the network. This is a gradual process with filed being encrypted one after another. A company needs to have sophisticated security systems in place to be able to spot the attack and isolate important documents, to minimize the damage from the attack. Cyber criminals have been launching this kind of attack, normally to demand money in the form of bitcoin, in return for unlocking the files.

What is WannaCry or Wanna Decryptor?

WannaCry or Wanna Decryptor is a kind of ransomware that targets all kinds of files including word documents, PDF files, excel sheets, etc, and encrypts them with the extension .wcry. This means that all the data on the compromised computer system is effectively locked and the user is left with only two files- one with instructions on what to do next and the Wanna Decryptor program itself.

Once the software is opened, the user is told that all their files are encrypted and gives the users a few days to pay the ransom, threatening them against deleting the files. The software demands payments in Bitcoin, relaying instructions on how to buy it and also provides a Bitcoin address to send the money to. WannaCry spread very quickly through LAN and unless companies have installed security softwares to bypass it, it can compromise some very important information.

How to Protect against Ransomware Attacks?

The best way to protect a computer system or all your information against ransomware attacks, is to back all the data up offline and in a separate system. This means that if your system comes under attack, the attacker won’t be able to hold any information at ransom or lose it to the attack.

Another obvious defence is to install anti-virus software that scans files before they’re downloaded. There are some security systems that are also able to launch a counter-attack against the malware, once it’s spotted in the system.

One of the common ways that the malware enters the system is when it’s downloaded by some one who clicks on suspicious links on websites or in emails. Some of these links are sent to the user via emails that are disguised as genuine mails, say from your boss, but are actually phishing mails.

Phishing is the act of sending out mails that appear to be from a well-known source, asking the reciever to click on certain  links. These links take the user to fraudulent websites that either steal their login details or start the download of malware on the system. Therefore, one should be wary of such links and always type out a particular web address, instead of clicking on suspicious-looking links.

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