How to Secure Data from Wanna Cry Ransomware Cyber Attack

Are you curious to know about Wanna Cry Ransomware Cyber attack? Do you know the methods to remove this wcry virus? If not, then do not worry, we have come up with a method that may remove Wannacrypt Ransomware from the system. Before that, let us learn about the virus precisely.
Wanna Cry is a virus that can get into the system and makes the data encrypt. It locks the entire data in a way that users cannot decode the files. It makes the file inaccessible. It generally affects the Windows Operating System. Once the system is affected, users receive a pop-up window about the payment of the amount as ransom. Moreover, it comes up with two countdown clocks that show the deadline of three days. The amount of the ransom gets doubled if not paid. Users may even loss the data permanently in such cases.

Wanna Decrypter
It is one of the program, which locks the entire data available in the system and shows the user only two files:

• Instructions for the next step
• Wanna Decryptor itself

When users open the software, it informs them that all the available files are blocked or encrypted. It also informs the user that the files may get deleted within few days, if the ransom is not given. The ransom is demanded in the Bitcoin. This includes the address as well the process to buy it. There are organizations that have created some decryption tool to fight against the virus attack.

Methods to Prevent Infection of Wanna Cry Ransomware

Follow these steps to protect the system from Wanna Cry Cyber Attack:

• Users should install an appropriate Antivirus in the system.
• Update the software time to time, which is present in the device.
• Do not click on emails or links that are suspected.
• It is recommended to run a pop-up blocker within the browser.
• Backup of files is one of the major factor to fight against this malware.
• Users should try to recognize the websites and phishing pages of malware.

What is Wanacrypt0r 2.0 and Kill Switch?

The malicious Wanna Cry Ransomware cannot be ignored. This is one of the problematic issues for cyber security. However, to stop the functionality of Wanacrypt0r 2.0, users can use Kill Switch. In fact, it helps to limit the spread of Wcry virus. Once the virus gets into the system, it connects to a domain, which is not registered. Kill Switch is not a proper remedy to rectify the issue, but still saved several devices. It cannot remove Wannacrypt Ransomware from the defected system, but save other systems from the infection. The functionality of the Kill Switch is given below:

• It searches for an expired or unregistered domain, which is associated with the active botnets & points towards sinkholes. Sinkholes designed to look for the malicious traffic & prevent the infected devices.
• It has the potential to collects the data & intensity of the infection on the geographical division. It contains the IP address, which is helpful in knowing about the affected systems.
• It scans for the flaw that permits users to get over the botnet & restricts the spread of the virus with the help of domain using which they are registered.

Instructions to Remove Wanna Cry Ransomware Cyber attack

The process can be divided into four major steps:
Step 1
Kill the Harmful process via Windows Task Manager

• Firstly, open your task Manager. For this, you need to click on CTRL+SHIFT+ESC keys at the same time
• Now, find the process of ransomware. This is generally a random created file.
• It is suggested to type the name on a document, before kill the process
• Find any doubtful processes related to Wanna Cry Virus.
• Once you find the process, make a right click on that process and open file location
• After this, end process and remove the directories with the suspicious data

Note: The process can be hiding & very tricky to detect when Wanna Cry Ransomware attacks.

Step 2
Disclose Hidden Files

• To begin this step, open any folder
• Now, click on the button of “Organize”
• After this, choose “Folder & Search Options”
• To proceed further, click on the “View” tab
• Select the option of “Show hidden files and folders”
• Unmark the option of “Hide protected operating system files”
• Now, click on “Apply” & “OK” button

STEP 3
Locate Wannacrypt Ransomware Startup Position

• After the loading of operating system, press Windows Logo Button & R key simultaneously
• As soon as you click on that, a dialog box will open. You need to type “Regedit”, but be cautious while editing the Registry of Microsoft Windows. This is because it can lead to the broken system
• Depending on the Operating system (x86 or x64) go to:
  [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run] or
  [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run] or
  [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]
• Remove the Name: [RANDOM]
• Once it is done, you need to open your explorer & navigate to %appdata% folder. From there remove the executable.

Alternatively, you can even choose the msconfig Windows utility to verify the execution point.

Note: Always keep this thing in mind that names in your device might be dissimilar due to their random generation. Therefore, run professional scanner to check the malicious files.
STEP 4
Recover Encrypted Files
One of best solution for this is to recover the data from the latest backup that has been taken by you.

Note: Always have a fresh copy of your data stored as a backup on other system. This will help you to remove Wanna Cry Ransomware or any other virus attack from your system and getting back the attacked data.

Final Words

Nowadays, there are different kinds of ransomware available that are capable to hack the data of users system. WCry Virus is one of the malicious cyber attack. Users have to try very hard to Remove Wanna Cry Ransomware from the system. Considering this, we have discussed about Wanna Cry Vulnerability and some of its information to make users aware about this virus, along with some possible methods to fight against this.