What is WannaCry and who is behind it? Here's all you need to know about the ransomware that crippled the NHS

Earlier today a huge ransomware attack spread to computers across the globe
Hackers are claiming ransom cash in exchange for the safe return of files
Ransomware attacks are not new, but the speed of this attack is unheard of
In a few hours, the malware had already infected victims in 11 countries
Ransomware hackers may be using a US National Security Agency cyber weapon

Earlier today a massive ransomware virus attack spread to the computer systems of hundreds of private companies and public organisations across the globe.
The software locks computers and asks for a digital ransom before control is safely returned.
Ransomware attacks are not new, but the speed of the recent hackings has alarmed security experts.
In a few hours, the malware had already infected victims in at least 74 countries, including Russia, Turkey, Germany, Vietnam, and the Philippines - and is thought to be spreading at a rate of five million emails per hour.

The hack was carried out as hospitals and doctors' surgeries in England were forced to turn away patients and cancel appointments after the attack crippled the NHS.
Although cyber extortion cases have been rising for several years, they have to date targeted small- and mid-sized organisations.
But an attack on such a large scale has never been seen before. Who could be behind the string of attacks, and whether they are connected, remains a mystery.

What is ransomware?
Ransomware is a type of malicious software that criminals use to attack computer systems.
Hackers often demand the victim to pay ransom money to access their files or remove harmful programmes.
The aggressive attacks dupe users into clicking on a fake link – whether it's in an email or on a fake website, causing an infection to corrupt the computer.
In some instances, adverts for pornographic website will repeatedly appear on your screen, while in others, a pop-up will state that a piece of your data will be destroyed if you don't pay.
In the case of the NHS attack, the ransomware used was called Wanna Decryptor or 'WannaCry' Virus.

What is the WannaCry virus?
The WannaCry virus targets Microsoft's widely used Windows operating system.
The virus encrypts certain files on the computer and then blackmails the user for money in exchange for the access to the files.
It leaves the user with only two files: Instructions on what to do next and the Wanna Decryptor program itself.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-4500614/All-need-know-ransomware-WannaCry-virus.html?ito=social-facebook

Earlier today a massive ransomware virus attack spread to the computer systems of hundreds of private companies and public organisations across the globe. The software locks computers and asks for a digital ransom before control is safely returned

Ransomware attacks are not new, but the speed of the recent hackings has alarmed security experts. In a few hours, the malware had already infected victims in 11 countries, including Russia, Turkey, Germany, Vietnam, and the Philippines

Although cyber extortion cases have been rising for several years, they have targeted small- and mid-sized organisations. A cyber attack on such a large scale has never been seen before

The hackers demanded payment in bit coin..

Bitcoiners beware...

Blackpool Victoria Hospital is one of many across the country hit - operations have been cancelled and ambulances diverted

Ambulances outside the accident and emergency department

Fylde and Wyre NHS Trust and Blackpool Hospitals in Lancashire, East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust and Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Trust have admitted having problems.

Hacking Hospitals and asking for payment is crossing the line...@skydancer @maleeq abeg do the needful

Malware exploiting Micrsoft windows OS flaws that were discovered by NSA Spy program which was made public in April.

Russia happens to have the largest share of global infections. Just when FBI Director was fired.
Pardon the conspiracy theory, but We see the writings on the wall.

Anyways, i feel safer typing from my cheap linux box.

Update: Here is a link on Microsoft Website to carry out patches on windows operating system against the wannacry malware.

Don't be caught unawares



https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/security/ms17-010.aspx