Biggest Ransomware Attack Recorded So Far
On Friday 12th May 2017, the biggest ransomware attack spread across the world through a massive campaign. More than 150 countries have been infected with the number of individual computers rising to over 230,000, and organizations exceeding 10,000. This Ransomware known as WannaCrypt or WannaCry has wreaked havoc across international services such as the NHS, FedEx, Spain’s Telefonica and Renault.
This incident has spread because a hacker group called The Shadow Brokers released a tool the NSA (National Security Agency) developed and used to spy on its targets.
Researchers say there is no possible way to decrypt infected files yet and that the only way of getting your files back is by paying the criminals. What the researchers suggest though is to save your infected files in case a solution is found in the near future that will help you decrypt them.
What is a Ransomware?
A Ransomware is a type of virus that encrypts your files and demands for a payment to decrypt them. This type of Ransomware that hit the world recently also includes functionality that allow it to spread to other computers.
What should someone do to be protected
- Make regular backups to external hard drives
- If you are using an Unsupported Version of Microsoft Windows, update to Windows 10.
- Keep your system up to date. Make sure you update your system regularly
- Keep your antivirus software up-to-date
- Do NOT click on links or attachments a person sends you in chat or e-mail
- For organizations, there are advanced security measures. You can read more in IT Security or contact us for more information
