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How to stay safe online after the WannaCrypt attacks
2 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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On an otherwise regular Friday morning, the entire world experienced the effect of the maliciousWannaCrypt cyberattack.
WannaCrypt’s effects
On Microsoft’s blog, President and Chief Legal Officer Brad Smith debated the subject of this year’s latest cyberattack. The WannaCrypt malicious software started in UK and Spain and spread globally at an extremely quick rate. The software blocked customers from their data and forced them to pay a ransom with Bitcoin to regain access. What’s worse, theWannaCrypt exploitsused in the cybernetic attack were drawn from exploited data stolen from the NSA.
On March 14, Microsoft released asecurity updateto patch the vulnerability that allowed the malware to work. This patch protects the newest Windows systems and computers that have it installed but unfortunately, many machines remained un-patched — including those found in hospitals, businesses, home computers, and governments.
Microsoft takes action
On its blog, Microsoft said that it is currently taking action to help all of the affected customers. The company’s actions include “a decision to take additional steps to assist users with older systems that are no longer supported,” said Microsoft’s Brad Smith. “Clearly, responding to this attack and helping those affected needs to be our most immediate priority.”
Lessons learned
Microsoft will add new security functionality across the entire software platform, including “constant updates to our Advanced Threat Protection service to detect and disrupt new cyberattacks.” The company will also work with the Microsoft Threat Intelligence Center and Digital Crimes unit and will share all new information with governments, law enforcement agencies, and all the other customers throughout the world.
The attack has proven that cybersecurity has become a shared responsibility between customers and tech companies. Cybercriminals are now more and more skilled and customers can’t protect themselves unless they receive updates for their systems.
The attack also provided another example why stockpiling vulnerabilities by governments is an issue. Remember WikiLeaks? Microsoft advises governments to treat this cyberattack as a wake-up call and to take into consideration the immense damage to civilians coming from hoarding these vulnerabilities instead of fixing them.
Read more on what Microsoft has to say about the cyberattack on thecompany’s blog page.
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More about the topics:Cybersecurity,Ransomware
Radu Tyrsina
Radu Tyrsina has been a Windows fan ever since he got his first PC, a Pentium III (a monster at that time).
For most of the kids of his age, the Internet was an amazing way to play and communicate with others, but he was deeply impressed by the flow of information and how easily you can find anything on the web.
Prior to founding Windows Report, this particular curiosity about digital content enabled him to grow a number of sites that helped hundreds of millions reach faster the answer they’re looking for.
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Radu Tyrsina
