WannaCry 2.0 continues attacking unpatched and unsupported Windows OS
WannaCry 2.0 is an updated version of WannaCry ransomware that has already affected more than 200,000 unpatched and unsupported Windows OS users in 150 countries.[1] The latest version has only one new significant feature that differs it from the previous version. It no longer has “kill switch” function. Malware researcher, known as MalwareTech, managed to find and use “kill switch” function to slow down the distribution[2] of the original version of ransomware. Thus, cybercriminals quickly updated the virus and continued to launch attacks using Windows SMB, or EternalBlue, exploit. A group of hackers called “Shadow Brokers” have stolen this exploit from US National Security Agency (NSA) and published it online on April 14, 2017.[3] Thus, cyber criminals took advantage of this situation and managed to create worldwide chaos. On the affected device, WannaCry 2.0 ransomware makes entries in Windows Registry and loads encrypted DLL file and initiates data encryption.[4] Malware appends .wnry file extension to each of the targeted files:
.lay6 .sqlite3 .sqlitedb .accdb .java .class .mpeg .djvu .tiff .jpeg .backup .vmdk .sldm .sldx .onetoc2 .vsdx .potm .potx .ppam .ppsx .ppsm, .pptm .pptx .xltm .xltx .xlsb .xlsm .xlsx .dotx .dotm .docm .docb .docx.
Following data encryption, WannaCry 2.0 drops a ransom note called “@Please_Read_Me@.txt” and opens a program window informing about encrypted files. The ransom-demanding message claims that users need to transfer $300 to the provided Bitcoin wallet address within three days. However, on Monday, May 15th, some versions of malware started asking for $600 in exchange for decryption key. Further instructions stay the same. If victims fail to meet the deadline, the size of the ransom will double. The last and worst scenario is permanent data loss. There’s no surprise that cyber criminals apply threatening strategies to encourage victims to pay the ransom. However, they pretend to be generous for “poor” computer users and make an exception. However, such generosity shouldn’t trick you and believe in good. Cyber criminals are unreliable people who managed to install a malicious program on your device in order to swindle your money. Thus, you should remove WannaCry 2.0 immediately using reputable malware removal program, such as FortectIntego. While ransomware resides on the computer, it opens a backdoor for other cyber threats and might poses damage to your private information. Thus, you should not focus on data recovery and pay attention to the security.
WannaCry started attacks on Friday, May 12th, 2017. Together with other variants, such as WannaCryptor, WanaCrypt0r, Wana Decrypt0r or WanaCrypt0r 2.0, it has already attacked such companies, as FedEx or Renault, numerous governmental organizations, for instance, Chinese public security bureau or Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation, telecommunication companies such as Portugal Telecom and Telefónica, and many other businesses and home computer users. The number of attacks continues growing. Computer users are recommended to install Windows updates in order to avoid WannaCry 2.0 and its other versions. Such updates are available since March 14, 2017. However, Microsoft has already released special updates for unsupported operating systems such as Windows XP, Windows 2003, Vista, etc. Thus, if you haven’t suffered from this hazardous cyber threat, you should update OS, as well as other software installed on your computer, immediately. However, if you became a victim of ransomware, please do not pay the ransom for any reason and focus on WannaCry removal.
Ransomware distribution methods and prevention tips
As we already explained, WannaCry 2.0 malware aims at old and unpatched versions of Windows operating system: Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 8, Server 2003 and 2008. It hijacks the system using EternalBlue exploit kit and continues spreading like a worm. Thus, it can infect other vulnerable devices that are connected to the same network. In order to protect the computer from this cyber threat, users need to install updates that fix SMB vulnerability in Windows OS. Microsoft also provided updates from unsupported Windows versions and encourage people to take advantage of it. Meanwhile, Windows 10 users should not worry about this issue. However, feeling safe and sound on the web is not recommended. WannaCry 2.0 hijack might also occur when users click on a malicious email attachment. Malware payload is widely distributed with the help of phishing emails.[5] Thus, users should also be careful and do not rush opening any PDF or Word file sent from the unknown sender. Recently, the major security software developers upgraded their products. Thus, such programs are capable of detecting the current versions of malware. For this reason, we recommend investing in reputable software and protecting your device.
WannaCry 2.0 removal and data recovery options
Infiltration of WannaCry 2.0 might be a hazardous experience for people who do not backup their files. Data recovery is impossible without private decryption key that is held in unknown hackers’ servers. Security experts are working on safe decryption software in order to help victims and discourage them from paying the ransom. Therefore, we want to ask you to focus on the most important task – WannaCry 2.0 removal. Once the virus is wiped out from the system, you can look up for alternative recovery methods or wait for safe decryption tool. Virus elimination requires scanning the computer with malware removal program, for instance, FortectIntego or SpyHunterCombo Cleaner. However, before that, you may need to reboot the computer to the Safe Mode with Networking. Thus, our prepared instructions below will be handy in order to remove WannaCry 2.0 successfully.
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