The malicious software WanaCryptor 2.0 which is also known as WCry is now being used to carry out one of the biggest ransomware attacks of its kind. Security researchers at Avast have recorded over 57,000 detections of WanaCryptor 2.0 ransomware in 99 countries. Let me tell you, after the attack, the ransom being demanded is $300 worth of bitcoins. Previously, Microsoft confirmed that the computers running the fully updated version of Windows versions are protected. Microsoft even released an update for computers that are running on older Windows version like Windows XP and Server 2003 to protect users from ransomware. Brad Smith, President and chief legal officer at Microsoft said that the ransomware attacks are based on the NSA vulnerability that got leaked unintentionally. He also said that users must update their system to remain protected. Brad Smith said “As cybercriminals become more sophisticated, there is simply no way for customers to protect themselves against threats unless they update their systems. Otherwise, they’re literally fighting the problems of the present with tools from the past” Brad Smith even called the government to take this issue seriously and pointed that agencies should no longer create a “Stockpile of vulnerabilities” instead they should report them to the vendor. Brad Smith Said “This is an emerging pattern in 2017. We have seen vulnerabilities stored by the CIA show up on WikiLeaks, and now this vulnerability stolen from the NSA has affected customers around the world. Repeatedly, exploits in the hands of governments have leaked into the public domain and caused widespread damage” “This is one reason we called in February for a new “Digital Geneva Convention” to govern these issues, including a new requirement for governments to report vulnerabilities to vendors, rather than stockpile, sell, or exploit them.” You can read out the full blog post here. So what do you think about this? Share your views in the comment box below.
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