WannaCry Ransomware, What is it and How to prevent it

What is WannaCry Ransomware?

Wannacry, with other names, WannaCrypt, WanaCrypt0r 2.0, Wanna Decryptor, is a ransomware computer worm that targets the Microsoft Windows operating system. The virus was used to launch the WannaCry ransomware attack on May 12, 2017.

The WannaCry ransomware attack was done by encrypting data and demanding ransom payments from victims in the cryptocurrency bitcoin.

The attack started on May 12, 2017 infected more than 230,000 computers in over 150 countries. The worst-hit countries are reported to be Russia, Ukraine, India and Taiwan. And here are the list of all affected organizations; Andhra Pradesh Police; Automobile Dacia; Chinese public security bureau; Cambrian College; CJ CGV; Deutsche Bahn; Dharmais Hospital; Faculty Hospital, Nitra; FedEx; Garena Blade and Soul; Government of Kerala; Government of West Bengal; Harapan Kita Hospital; Hitachi;Colombia's Instituto Nacional de Salud; Lakeridge Health; LATAM Airlines Group; MegaFon; Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation; Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Romania); National Health Service (England); NHS Scotland; Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK; PetroChina; Portugal Telecom; Q-Park; Renault; Russian Railways; Sandvik; São Paulo Court of Justice; Saudi Telecom Company; Sberbank; Sun Yat-sen University; Telefónica; Telenor Hungary; Timrå kommun; University of Milano-Bicocca; University of Montréa; Vivo.

How to prevent WannaCry Ransomware?

Instruction:
1. Install adblock in Chrome/Firefox browser if you're using PC, for android install Adguard to prevent malicious and popup ads.
2. Don't install any software from ads because it might bring potentially unwanted program. It is better to manually go to official website of the software to install it. Always scan websites and files through http://www.virustotal.com to verify if they are free from virus.
3. If you received an email which looks suspicious like (Chinese, Arabian languages, etc) that you have no knowledge of it, don't open it, just block the email address right away.
4. Backup your data using portable drives or online storage every week or month to help you to restore your files. If your computer is affected.
5. If you're using Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10 and you haven't update since March 13, 2017 then you need to update it. Microsoft added anti-malware for ransomware with update name "Security Update for Microsoft Windows SMB Server (4013389)".
6. Be careful on pirated softwares. First, check users comments or reviews of the software if its safe. Installing pirated softwares is at your own risk.
7. Choose an antivirus with an signature database update for WannaCry ransomware.
8. Turn On your firewall if you are doing browsing only.
9. Windows XP has no updates. Just follow the reminders given to avoid this virus.

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Image and information source : Wikipedia

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