SL CERT Alert!
Systems Affected
Al versions of Windows including Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10.
Threat Level
High
Overview
Malicious software or "ransomware" has been used in a massive hacking attack, affecting tens of thousands of computers worldwide.
Software security companies said a ransomware worm called "WannaCry" infected about 57,000 computer systems in 99 countries on Friday, with Russia, Ukraine, and Taiwan being the top targets.
The hack forced British hospitals to turn away patients, affected Spanish companies such as Telefonica, and threw other government agencies and businesses into chaos.
Description
WannaCry is a form of ransomware that locks up files on your computer and encrypts them in a way that you cannot access them anymore.
It targets Microsoft's widely used Windows operating system.
When a system is infected, a pop-up window appears with instructions on how to pay a ransom amount of $300.
The pop-up also features two countdown clocks; one showing a three-day deadline before the ransom amount doubles to $600; another showing a deadline of when the target will lose its data forever.
Payment is only accepted in bitcoin.
The ransomware's name is WCry, but analysts are also using variants such as WannaCry.
A hacking group called Shadow Brokers released the malware in April claiming to have discovered the flaw from the US' National Security Agency (NSA), according cyber-security providers.
Impact
WannaCry is a form of ransomware that locks up files on your computer and encrypts them in a way that you cannot access them anymore.
It targets Microsoft's widely used Windows operating system.
When a system is infected, a pop-up window appears with instructions on how to pay a ransom amount of $300.
The pop-up also features two countdown clocks; one showing a three-day deadline before the ransom amount doubles to $600; another showing a deadline of when the target will lose its data forever.
Payment is only accepted in bitcoin.
The ransomware's name is WCry, but analysts are also using variants such as WannaCry.
A hacking group called Shadow Brokers released the malware in April claiming to have discovered the flaw from the US' National Security Agency (NSA), according cyber-security providers.
Solution/ Workarounds
The effected PCs should be immediately disconnected from the network.
Contact your virus guard providers/ Security Vendors for necessary actions.
As an immediate action, email attachments should be blocked relating to following files but not limited to .pdf (encapsulating a .js– javascript)/*.hta/.doc macro based Microsoft word) or related executables.
Prevention:
• Have all files backed up in a completely separate system.
• This ransomware targets all versions of Windows including Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10.
• Clients should ensure that they are patched on MS17-010.
• Disable the outdated protocol SMBv1.
• Isolate unpatched systems from the larger network Recovery:
• As of now, there are no know recovery methods available.
• Do not try to pay the ransom
• Ensure you have smart screen (in Internet Explorer) turned on, which helps identify reported phishing and malware websites and helps you make informed decisions about downloads
• Have a pop-up blocker running on your web browser
• Regularly backup your important files
References
FinCSIRT Sri Lanka
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/05/ransomware-avoid-170513041345145.html
Disclaimer
The information provided here in is on "as is" basis, without warranty of any kind.