Cybercriminals recently released virulent ransomware that infected 100,000 organizations in 150 countries. Ransonware can spread rapidly from targeted computer to other units on the same network by exploiting a networking vulnerability. The ransomware, called WannaCry, encrypts the victim’s computer and changes the desktop background with an extortion message providing instructions on how to pay to decrypt the data on the computer.
The fraudsters often demand the victims to pay in bitcoin. So far they have made more than USD $26,000 from the worst ransomware outbreak ever. After being infected by ransomware, victims would see a message on the lock computer screen that included a “Contact Us” feature to let victims communicate and pay the fraudsters.
Not only it costs you time and headache when infected, it also costs you money directly and indirectly. Ransom demanded by fraudsters can be as much as $300 to $600, and there’s no guarantee that you will securely get your data. So how can you protect yourself?
How to Protect Yourself from Ransomware
Ransomware is a malicious software that can pass via phishing emails. It can lock your computer, tablet or smartphone and then demands a ransom to unlock it. It is very important that you be wary of emails from individuals you do not know. Use caution before opening any attachments or clicking on any links in email messages.
In addition, make sure your computer is up-to-date with latest Microsoft update. You might have to manually update your system. You should also run anti-virus software or Window Defenders as it protects your machine against hackers.
Patients still being turned away here at Barts in East London due to #CyberAttack . More on @BBCNewsbeat 1245 pic.twitter.com/LJVn2hZXFM
— Rick Kelsey (@RickKelsey) May 15, 2017
If you somehow get infected by WannaCry ransomware, you might be able to decrypt your data without making the $300 to $600 payment demand.
Owners of some Windows XP computers infected by the WCry ransomware may be able to decrypt their data without making the $300 to $600 payment demand, a researcher said Thursday. Researcher Adrien Guinet from Quarkslab has released software that he said allowed him to recover the secret decryption key required to restore an infected XP computer in his lab.
International communities continue their effort to hunt down the main cypercriminals. Until then, keep updating you computer with the latest patch.