It seems like Wannacry is back. On Tuesday, A major global cyber attack with a Virus almost similar to Wannacry ransomware interrupted computers at Russia’s largest oil company, multinational firms, and Ukranian banks. Hackers once again proved that they are capable of shutting down government networks, important infrastructure and cooperates.
Source: Deccan Chronicle
“Eternal Blue” is the code which is included in the ransomware virus and most probably was stolen from the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA). The same code was also used in Wannacry ransomware attack.
According to The New York Times, Kevin Johnson, chief executive of cyber security firm Secure Ideas said: “Cyber attacks can simply destroy us. Companies are just not doing what they are supposed to do to fix the problem.”
The virus attacked computers which are running Microsoft Corp’s Windows by overwriting files and encrypting hard drives. It then demanded $300 (£234) in bitcoin payments to restore access.
According to a spokesperson for Microsoft, Company is investigating the matter and will definitely take proper actions to protect customers.
Most Affected Countries By The Attack
Russia and Ukraine were most affected by the thousands of attacks. France, Germany, Poland, Italy, Australia, India and the United States also included victims from the attacks.
Source: NDTV Gadgets
Ransomware hits Jawaharlal Nehru Port in India
India’s largest container port, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) was also interrupted as the virus attacked operations at one of the three terminals of Jnpt. As per reported by Hindustan Times, a senior official from the JNPT said: “There are tree terminals for loading and unloading the containers in JNPT. While JNPT themselves manage one of them, the other two including GTI, are being handled by the private sectors.”
“In reality, nothing could be done manually in that system. You have two options, either work with software or stop it. Thus because of this attack, virtually no work is being conducted at GTI since last night. This attack will have a worldwide impact as thousands of companies from across the globe send and receive containers from this terminal.”
A Cadbury chocolate factory in Australia was hit by the virus. According to a statement by Cadbury owner Mondelez International Inc, last night, staff were facing technical problems in various regions but it is still unclear that it was due to cyber attack.
