What Vulnerability Did WannaCry Ransomware Exploit?

Updated on October 11, 2022, by Xcitium

Computers rule our world today. We manage both our personal affairs and our public lives through the computer system of our gadgets and tools. It is only right that we pay attention as to how these systems function or fail to function. In knowing such information, we get to have better control of our devices instead of these tools controlling us.

It is no doubt that wannacry ransomware has created a lot of damage in the computer industry. Aside from affecting businesses and government agencies, it has also attacked personal and household computers. Even for ordinary computer users, it is crucial to know how ransomware wannacry works.

Defining Ransomware

There are various ways on how ransomware infects a system. One of the most common ways is through a wannacry download. It is where a user commits the error of virus download and exposes his device to ransomware. The ransomware will then encrypt all the data it can hold which can only be decrypted through paying a ransom. In some cases, ransomware can even bar the user from accessing his device. The hackers will ask for a certain amount of money as ransom before the world decrypt the infected files. This means that the users would have to pay for a fairly large amount of money to recover their lost data.

Once the ransomware enters a system, it has the potential of spreading to other devices attached to the infected computer. The virus download will begin to spread across devices. For a typical household that has a connected computer system inside their home, ransomware has the potential of hacking all the files of the entire family.

How Ransomware Wannacry Works

Aside from knowing the definition of ransomware, it is also important to know how ransomware wannacry works. In the case of wannacry ransomware, a cryptoworm enters the computer system and targets Microsoft Windows operating system. This means that files created or stored in the Microsoft Office applications can be compromised including documents, photos, and many more.

There are multiple types or variants of ransomware. Wannacry ransomware is particularly dangerous because Microsoft Windows has become a popular computer operating system in our generation. This type of malware is also a good reminder for users of the need to update their OS. Companies would frequently give security patches to their users. If only all users updated their operating systems, the could have equipped their computer systems with the necessary security patch to combat wannacry ransomware.

Threats Of Ransomware Wannacry

Aside from knowing how ransomware wannacry works, it is also important to learn how this dangerous threat enters our devices. When users become lax in using their devices they have the tendency to open risky files into their device. It is well-documented that even seemingly innocent files such as online ads can attack users.

Also, a big part of the ransomware attack is due to the negligence of the user. As proven by other malware in the past, users have a big role in the spread of viruses. In order to avoid wannacry download, users must be knowledgeable about the danger of their online activities. They have to be very careful about how they use their devices.

There are varying degrees to know how ransomware wannacry works. In some cases, only some of the files on the computer are deleted. Such files are often related to Microsoft programs. In severe occasions, all data stored in a computer system will be infected. This is a reminder that wannacry ransomware is a real and actual threat.

Finding Solutions

Now that you know how ransomware wannacry works, it is important that you understand how to avoid any possible ransomware attack. One solution to this predicament is to install an anti-malware program that will protect you from our online activities. It will ensure that users will not commit the grave mistake of installing wannacry downloads into their devices. While there are a lot of programs in the market, there are very few that fit the necessities of personal computer owners.

As thoroughly discussed above, it is highly suggested for computer system owners to invest in the protection of their computer systems. In order to avoid the entry of ransomware into their devices, they need to avail of an ant-malware program. This promises the security of even their future online activity.

For more information about what to look for in antivirus programs, contact Xcitium Cybersecurity today!