According to the National Cybersecurity Agency under the Ministry of Information and Communications, there is currently a type of Ransomware malware known as Wanna Cry or Wanna Crypt that acts as spyware infiltrating computers, encrypting Word, Excel files, and other content to extort ransom from victims threatening to delete all such files. The cause lies in a vulnerability named Eternal Blue present in your Windows, which has only been addressed in recent versions of Windows 10.
As announced a few days ago, the EternalRocks malware was discovered when there was not yet a comprehensive solution for WannaCry. So far, several methods to eradicate EternalRocks have been instructed by experts for users. In case your computer is infected with EternalRocks, refer to the methods to eradicate EternalRocks for immediate implementation.
To check if your computer is infected with the WannaCry malware, refer to the article on checking WannaCry to manually check your system for WannaCry malware infiltration to better protect your important data.
To prevent WannaCry malware and eradicate WannaCry Ransomware, which may occur on your computer, besides the preventive measures against WannaCry that Mytour has mentioned, you should also follow the WannaCry handling method from the National Cybersecurity Agency - Ministry of Information and Communications, applicable to both individuals and organizations as follows.
Guide to handling WannaCry for computers
For individuals using computers
Dealing with Wannacry on Windows 10
Step 1: For those using Windows 10, the best way to handle Wannacry is to update Windows immediately to the Windows 10 Creators Update version. Refer to the article on upgrading to Windows 10 Creators Update to protect your computer and address the Eternal Blue vulnerability.
Step 2: If your computer has already been updated to Windows 10 Creators Update, don't forget to check for Windows updates. Microsoft has recently released a security update for Windows 10 Creators Update. First, open the Start Menu and search for 'Update' to access Windows Update.
Step 3: Here, the system will check for and download the latest update for your computer or laptop to address WannaCry and prevent it. After updating, remember to restart your computer.
Handling Wannacry on Remaining Windows XP, 7, 8 Versions
For users running older operating systems like Windows XP, 7, 8, Microsoft has not provided patches for the Eternal Blue vulnerability. To minimize the risk of encountering malware and deal with Wannacry on your computer, update your operating system to the latest version available.
- Download the patch for Windows XP Update SP2 64bit
- Download the patch for Windows XP Update SP3 32bit
- Download the patch for Windows XP Update SP3 Embedded 32bit
- Download the patch for Windows 7 Update 64bit
- Download the patch for Windows 7 Update 32bit
- Download the patch for Windows 8 Update 64bit
- Download the patch for Windows 8 Update 32bit
- Download the patch for Windows Server 2003 Update SP2 64bit
- Download the patch for Windows Server 2003 Update SP2 32bit
Dealing with Wannacry: Update Antivirus Software
The WannaCry malware is currently on the radar of major technology and security firms such as Kaspersky, Norton Antivirus, and AVG. Consequently, they are constantly monitoring the situation and providing updates for their software to help users handle WannaCry effectively.
Additional Considerations for Users
- Avoid clicking on unfamiliar links, links sent through Facebook, or any suspicious emails.
- Refrain from downloading unfamiliar files or attachments from emails if their source is unclear.
- Do not open links with HTA extensions or .exe files sent via messages.
- Remove Tor browsers from your computer system and refrain from downloading files.
- Avoid downloading Torrent links as they can easily install spyware.
- Develop a habit of regularly backing up data stored on your computer.
Dealing with WannaCry for Organizations, Businesses, Systems
For companies, organizations, or businesses using server networks, the impact of WannaCry infection can be more severe. Therefore, addressing the WannaCry malware is not solely the responsibility of administrators but of every member within the network.
The most crucial task for administrators is to close or temporarily disable services using ports 445, 137, 138, 139 on their computers.
Step 1: To close port 445, follow these steps: Press Windows + R keys, then type Regedit to access the Registry Editor.
Step 2: Next, navigate to Computer > HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SYSTEM > CurrentControlSet > Services > NetBT > Parameters
In the Parameters section, you'll find a file named TransportBindName. Double-click to open the file.
Step 3: Delete all values in the Value data field of TransportBindName, then confirm OK to close.
Step 4: After that, restart your computer, open Command Prompt, and type Netstart -an. You will see that port 445 is no longer active.
For the remaining ports, we just need to disable NETBIOS using the following method:
Step 1: Open MenuStart, type 'control panel' to access Control Panel.
Step 2: Proceed to the Network and Internet section in Control Panel.
Step 3: Next, navigate to Change adapter settings which leads to Network Connections. Here, right-click on the network in use and select Properties.
Step 4: Double-click on Internet Protocol Version 4 or select Properties.
Step 5: In the General tab, choose Advanced for advanced settings.
Step 6: Switch to the WINS tab and select Disable NETBIOS over TCP/IP to close the remaining ports.
In addition to the above measures, administrators should note the following for better system security:
- Ensure prompt updating of server system upgrades and patches to prevent and handle WannaCry malware.
- Create snapshots with virtual servers as a precaution against attacks.
- Update antivirus software and use licensed software for maximum computer protection.
- Regularly backup database.
- Employ safety measures such as Firewall, IDS, IPS, SIEM for monitoring and protecting the system during this sensitive period.
These are temporary measures to help you deal with WannaCry malware during this critical period. If you want to learn more about WannaCry and what Ransomware WannaCrypt is, you can refer to our article on what WannaCry virus is.
Removing the WannaCry virus completely is currently not possible, but it can help clean your system to some extent. If you don't know how to do it, you can refer to the methods Mytour has introduced.
Currently, there are 2 tools available to help you detect whether your computer or laptop is infected with the WannaCry malware so you can back up your data: BKAV CheckWanCry and VNIST Scanner. Both tools are lightweight and will comprehensively scan your system to detect any dangerous malware, including WannaCry. If detected in time, you won't have to pay a ransom to retrieve your important data.
