Looking back at WannaCry

Ransomeware attacks became prominent around 2005 and ever since then there have been many of such across the world. Recently, there was a major cyber-attack by the WannaCry ransomeware which infiltrated systems across the globe, from NHS in Britain, Telefónica in Spain systems to home computers in over 150 countries around the world.
WannaCry was first spotted in the wild by security researchers MalwareHunterTeam on May 12, 2017. Less than four hours after its discovery at 9:45 am, it had infected NHS computers in Lancashire and spread laterally throughout its internal network.
Method of operation
The method of operation of the WannaCry ransomeware is similar to what can be found in most other ransomeware softwares. WannaCry infects a computer system and encrypts its files as usual after which it posts a message asking for a bitcoin payment to decrypt the files and threatens to destroy the information if the fee is not paid, often with a countdown timer attached to ramp up pressure.
Most RansomeWare is spread within PDFs, Word documents and another kind of files sent via mail or secondary infection from other computers through file sharing, offering a backdoor for further attacks
Earlier attempt
The creators of the WannaCry ransomeware are still unknown, but it is speculated that WannaCry is their second attempt at extortion. They made an earlier attempt with WeCry which was discovered earlier in February, and they demanded 0.1 Bitcoin to unlock files and programs. The ransom fee for the WannaCry RansomWare ranged from 0.3 to 1btc.
Global ramifications
WannaCry’s attack on the cyberspace had terrible results globally with hundreds of dollars paid to the hackers in digital currency to get back their important documents. In Germany, some people were unable to board trains, and in the UK patients were unable to see doctors as scheduled.
From the spread of WannaCry, it is clear that the attackers planned their attack on systems with pre-existing vulnerability. The case of its spread teaches us to develop stronger malware techniques and to enshrine a culture of preparedness for similar crisis situations.
Some experts have stated further WannaCry extortion attempts are likely in the near future. In any case vigilance is key.

