Virus wannacry, here's how it works, protect yourself

WannaCry Ransomware and how to protect yourself from it

One of the most heinous cybercrime happening today is through a malware targeting Microsoft windows. Hackers use the WannaCry Ransomware to stop all the operations in your computer systems until have paid a ransom-hence the name ransomware. Tablets and smart phones are targeted in this new wave of cybercrime which has paralysed operations in various organisations worldwide.

How does it happen?

The first time you are under attack, you will receive an alert that your files have been encrypted. The malware goes ahead to notify you (of course not true) that you will receive your files back upon payment of a specified amount. The payment is demanded in Bit coin.

mainly targeting browser cookies with paypal/bank details saved accounts, be careful to remove them soon as possible! 

History

Ransomware originated in the United States some 12 years ago before spreading to the rest of the world. Usually, the hackers will send you an email with an attachment. An online user will open their mail and click on the attachment innocently and instantly, the hard drive will be encrypted. At such point, it will no longer possible for you to control or access anything from the computer. The files, documents, photos and such will be locked to the point that only the hackers will hold the key to unlocking them. So what is the trick? They want you to pay a ransom so that you can regain use of your computer once again.

The amount of the ransom will usually vary from person or corporation to corporation. For instance, in UK alone, the hackers were demanding £500 3 years ago but the truth of the matter is that you are not guaranteed that your files will be released back to you once you pay the ransom.

The WannaCry Ransomware is a recent phenomenal, having been discovered only 3 days ago (12th May, 2017). By the time it was discovered, 10,000 organizations and some 200,000 personalities had been impacted worldwide. The National Health Service (NHS) was the first to be attacked. The Ransomware has more than one variation according to researchers and the main target is the Windows XP.

How to protect yourself from the WannaCry Ransomware
1. Backing of your entire files is the most important thing to do since you will have all your files in tact in the event of an attack.

2If you notice a mail attachment that is suspicious, the rule of the thumb is that you should not open it: just delete is as quickly as possible.

3. People are being advised to install an anti-virus. The work of the anti-virus would be doing scan the files before opening them. If there are suspicious programs being downloaded in your system, block them immediately.

4. Do not pay the ransom if you become a victim of the WannaCry Ransomware attack. Paying the ransom will encourage the cyber crime and even then, you are not assured of getting back your data.

5. The Ransomware decryption tool would be a safe bet as this would help bypass the Winery Ransomware.

6. Use the latest software patches by Microsoft to protect your Windows XP.