WannaCry Ransomware: Learn More About the Attack

A new ransomware attack is infecting hundreds of thousands of devices all over the globe. Starting May 12, the ongoing attack uses malicious software called “WannaCry” (also “WannaCrypt” or “Wanna Decryptor”), which locks users out of their computers, and then demands a ransom for restoring the encrypted files. Ransom demands range from $300 to $600, and are to be paid via bitcoin to one of three designated wallets. It is currently unclear whether the unidentified attackers have unlocked files for the users that have made a ransom payment. As of the morning of May 16, ransom payments had reached over $70,000. In 2013, a comparable ransomeware called CryptoWalker was posted to the internet. The attack pulled in an estimated $30 million in its first 100 days.

The the likelihood that the particular vulnerability enabling the spread of WannaCry will affect customers of NetWize is very low. Thanks to the commitment of our engineers to ensuring our customers’ safety, we made the security patch needed to protect against WannaCry shortly after Microsoft’s recommendation. We also offer advice for best practices that reduce a user’s vulnerability. In addition, we always make sure our customers’ antivirus is up-to-date, and that a reliable data backup and disaster recovery process is in place.

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To learn more about the outbreak as it unfolds, check out Wikipedia, and technical support website Bleeping Computer.

As always, if you have any concerns regarding this recent ransomware attack, please call NetWize at (801) 747-3200, option 1.