WannaCry Ransomware: The New Virus In India Why You Should Worry.

The internet world was recently taken by storm by a malicious software that locked people out of their computers. Already declared as a critical threat to cyber-security, India’s Cyber Security organisation – CERT has organised a special webcast on the ransomware, informing Indian users about its threat and how to protect themselves from it.

The ransomware, known as WannaCry or WanaCrypt0r 2.0, locked up the files on computers across 2 dozen countries and asked the users for a ransom in exchange of access to their own files.

How does it affect systems?

The ransomware essentially encrypts the files on the target system and makes them inaccessible to users. In exchange for gaining access back, the malicious software asks the users for a ransom through money transfer on Bitcoin. The initial transfer demanded by the ransomware is USD 300 which may later increase to USD 600.

Experts say that there is no assurance of the access being handed back to the users after a payment is made. Moreover, once infected, the ransomware can perform repetitive attacks on the system, asking users for money over and over again with the threat of deleting the files altogether.

How to stay safe from it?

CERT has laid down certain protective measures which go as follows:

For Users:

- First of all, back-up all the critical data on your system and keep it offline for an easier recovery process, in case the ransomware strikes.

- Apply patches which were released by Microsoft under the Microsoft Security Bulletin 2017 MS17 – 010 on March 2017.

- Regular patches for unsupported versions like XP, Vista, Server 2003 and Server 2008 are not available. Hence, users are advised to upgrade their systems to prevent threat.

- Users are also required to upgrade regular patches for the Windows version they are using.

- In case the patches are not available, CERT advises to isolate the system from the network. Further, users can download the patches onto a CD or a USB, apply it and then connect the system back to the network.

- Maintain an updated Anti-Virus by a reputed software firm.

- Block spam on mails.

- DO NOT click on unsolicited mails, even from known contacts.

- Disable Macros on Microsoft Office products.

- For technical measures, users are advised to visit the CERT website.