?Table of ContentsWHAT IS RANSOMWARE CYBER ATTACK 2EXAMPLES OF RANSOMWARE 3HOW DOES IT SPREAD 4HOW IT CAN BE PROTECTED 5WHO HAS IT HAS AFFECTED SO FAR 6CONCLUSION 7 WHAT IS RANSOMWARE CYBER ATTACKRansomware is a form of malicious software that locks up the files on your computer and demands for payment to get your files back. When a system is infected by ransomware, a pop-up window appears, prompting you to pay to recover all your files within three days, with countdown timer on the left. If you fail to pay within that time, the fee will be doubled and if don’t pay within seven days, you will lose the file forever.
Payment is accepted only with bitcoin. Examples of ransomware that attacks Microsoft’s Windows operating system are Wanna Decryptor and WannaCry .(https://www.chanakyaiasacademy.com/blog/item/593-ransomware-attack, n.d.)EXAMPLES OF RANSOMWAREExamples of ransomware that attacks Microsoft’s Windows operating system are;1.
Wanna Decryptor .2. WannaCry. 3.
Locky. 4. Troldesh.
5. Globelmposter.6. Philadelphia.
7. Cerber.8. NotPetya.
9. Bad Rabbit . (https://www.bitsighttech.com/blog/ransomware-examples, n.
d.)HOW DOES IT SPREADRansomware spreads easily when it encounters unpatched or outdated software. WannaCry is spread by an internet warm . Some forms of malware can lock computer entirely or set off series of pop ups that are nearly impossible to close which hinders one’s work.(https://www.
bitsighttech.com/blog/ransomware-examples, n.d.)HOW IT CAN BE PROTECTEDThe following are steps to take to stay clear of the threat;? Keeping a backup of all the documents.? Not opening emails or links in emails from people or websites that appears suspicious. ? Avoiding to download from websites that are not trustworthy .
? Updating antivirus on all systems .(https://www.bitsighttech.com/blog/ransomware-examples, n.d.
)WHO HAS IT HAS AFFECTED SO FARRansomware cyber attack was first reported from Sweden , Britain and France but Russia and Taiwan are said to be the worst hit , according to US media . Major companies that have reported attacks are FedEx , Telefonica and National Health Service (UK).Over 75,000 systems have been affected . Some of the affected organizations are; Andhra Pradesh Police(India) , Dharmais Hospital(Indonesia) , O2 (German) etc.(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WannaCry_ransomware_attack, n.d.)CONCLUSIONTo avoid ransomware cyber attack we should protect our files and regularly update our software to avoid the cyber attack attacking our softwares.
