“The best way to pre-empt a Wannacry malware attack is: shut down your computer, if it runs on Windows XP operating system, for the next couple of days,” says cyber forensic expert P. Vinod Bhattathirippad.
Now that the malware, which has been ravaging computers across the globe since May 12, has arrived in Kerala and hit the computer systems in at least half a dozen panchayat offices, users in the State need to take extreme precautions, he warms. “Those who cannot afford to shut down their computers with Windows XP should be extremely cautious while opening their emails,” he said. “Messages from unfamiliar sources should not opened.”
Mr. Bhattathirippad said that the malware had struck Kerala some six months ago and two Central government offices in the State were attacked. “It seems the worst is yet to come,” he notes pointing out that the second version of the malware has already appeared. There could be other versions with enhanced destructive powers and with capabilities to invade computers using OS other than XP.
The malware had invaded the vulnerable areas in Windows XP and launched their ransomware. The ransomware (so called because you need to pay ransom to get your hard disk liberated) get into the drives and compress all the software and blocking the use of the computer. To get the system unlocked, you need to pay a ransom, currently $300. “It’s just like kidnapping of your child by criminals, holding it hostage and demanding a huge ransom,” he noted. “If you are not ready to pay, your child will be killed.” The ransom should be paid in bitcoins (digital money) and not in the form of bank transfers.
Corporate terrorism
Mr. Bhattathirippad, a cyber detective who is often hired by the police and other investigating agencies, suspects that the Wannacry attack could be a case of corporate terrorism. Noting that the malware had so far only attacked computers with Windows XP, he said a plot to eliminate the OS could not be ruled out.
This OS, he noted, has been a favourite all over the world and millions of users have refused to upgrade to other versions though Microsoft has introduced several upgrades. “Just imagine the amount of money an OS manufacturing company can make if all the XP is replaced with a new OS,” he asked.
