Ransomware outbreak at a global scale | #wannacry

Approximately 74 countries are currently under an ongoing cyber-attack. The NHS in the UK has been massively affected, along with major companies worldwide. 

Computer systems are being infected with the ransomware known as WanaCrypt0r 2.0 (known as WCry and WannaCry). The malicious file targets a known computer vulnerability (MS17-010). 

System Administrators:
- Ensure systems are fully patched, especially by addressing the MS17-010 vulnerability. 
- Disable SMBv1.
- Firewall protect ports: 139/445 & 3389
- Make sure you have a backup of your data and it is also stored offline. 
- Ensure Antivirus is installed and active.

Legacy systems should be isolated and any systems which are infected, consider removing them from the network. 

Under Attack?

• Customers in the healthcare sector should follow the national guidance as instructed by the NHS and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).
• UK customers consult the Cyber Information Sharing Platform (CiSP).
• DeepRecce customers requiring further advice or information should contact our 24/7 incident response line www.deeprecce.com

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Repository of information:

WannaCry|WannaDecrypt0r NSA-Cybereweapon-Powered Ransomware Worm
https://gist.github.com/pcostesi/87a04a3bbbdbc4aeb8b787f45eb21197 

Microsoft released notes:
https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/mmpc/2017/05/12/wannacrypt-ransomware-worm-targets-out-of-date-systems/

Ransomware - Did you update your incident response plan?

At the beginning of 2016 an article was published about the increasing threat of ransomware and provided advice on having an incident response plan that is ready to face this emerging threat. Our article focused on tips related to prevention, response and evading extortion. If you did not have a chance to read our article from January, we recommend that you read it as soon as possible.

Now, at the end of the first quarter of 2016, it is evident that ransomware has become a headache for those who did not take all the necessary precautions to avoid being the next target. Recently, the FBI released a statement to The Wall Street Journal that ransomware is a prevalent and increasing threat. As this recent article describes, attackers are trying new approaches to infection, such as ransomware ‘malvertising’, and have succeeded in creating the first Mac OS X ransomware.

Have a plan, Be Prepared
Due to the fact that it is not easy to deal with the situation after an organisation is hit by ransomware, the best course of action is to ensure there is a backup plan in place. It might come as a surprise but in order to understand the seriousness of the situation, consider that an official in the FBI’s Boston field office went against normal FBI policy and suggested to a conference audience that often the only solution is to pay the ransom. Sysnet wants to make sure you do not have to face that moral dilemma and for that reason we are trying to inform you about the increasing threat and ensure you have taken all the necessary steps towards prevention.

The Rise of Ransomware - Tips on prevention, response and evading extortion

Ransomware, a malware that prevents or in some cases limits users from accessing their data has been on the rise. Last year, 2015 saw a considerable increase with Crowti (also known as CryptoWall) and FakeBSOD being the two instances that affected more than 850,000 systems between June and November. In the first quarter of 2015, ransomware saw a 165% increase compared to the previous year. In the second quarter of 2015, 4 million samples of ransomware were identified indicating 58% ransomware growth. Ransomware is expected to grow in 2016 considering that more than half of malware attacks in 2015 also carried ransomware.

The main function of ransomware is to prevent the user (or users if it infects a server) from using that particular system. It does this by encrypting the files that it finds stored in the filesystem and connected drives. Usually, ransomware also tries to prevent certain applications and services from running.

Malicious files

These malicious files are called ransomware because they demand a payment (a ransom) in order to allow the users to decrypt their files; the attacker provides the decryption key in exchange for the payment. Some of these types of malicious files try to convince individuals that they have done something illegal in an attempt to scare them into making the payment (ransomware acting as scareware). In order to be more believable, some ransomware payment demands pretend to be from a law enforcement agency. The ransom usually starts at a few US dollars to hundreds of dollars or its Bitcoin equivalent.