WANNACRY CYBER ATTACK: one of the biggest cyber crimes

Cyber Crime

 

One of the biggest cyber crimes in recent history is the WannaCry ransomware attack, which occurred in May 2017. WannaCry was a global cyber attack that affected hundreds of thousands of computers in over 150 countries.

The attack targeted computers running the Microsoft Windows operating system by exploiting a vulnerability in the Server Message Block (SMB) protocol. The ransomware encrypted the files on infected computers and demanded a ransom payment in Bitcoin in exchange for the decryption key WannaCry spread rapidly through the internet, taking advantage of the vulnerability in unpatched systems.

It targeted both individual users and organizations, including hospitals, government agencies, and large corporations. The attack caused widespread disruption, with many organizations being forced to shut down their computer systems to prevent further spread of the malware.

The WannaCry attack was attributed to a group known as Lazarus Group, which is believed to have connections to North Korea. The attack highlighted the vulnerability of computer systems and the importance of regularly updating software and implementing strong cybersecurity measures.

Since the WannaCry attack, there have been several other major cyber crimes, including the NotPetya attack in 2017 and the SolarWinds supply chain attack in 2020. These incidents demonstrate the evolving nature of cyber threats and the need for continuous vigilance in the face of cyber crime