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Crypto Terms:  Letter W

What is WannaCry Ransomware?

Meaning:
WannaCry Ransomware - is a malicious software variant that came about in 2017.
easy
2 minutes

Let's find out WannaCry Ransomware meaning, definition in crypto, what is WannaCry Ransomware, and all other detailed facts.

WannaCry Ransomware is a malicious software variant that can infect a single computer and is able to swiftly worm its way into the rest of connected computer networks. It made its first attack in May 2017. 

This type of malicious software uses encryption to extort money from its victims. Plus, it can even lock them out of their computers

The WannaCry Ransomware infection begins with a doppler. Its main purpose is to extract all of the ransomware components such as a TOR copy, data encryption, decryption applications, and their keys into the victim’s computer.

The next step is to gain access to the kill switch which is a hard-coded URL that has the ability to shut down a computer or a program. In case the ransomware cannot locate the kill switch, it starts the process of searching for files and encrypting them in a predetermined format. Once the files are encrypted, the victim has no way to access them.

WannaCry Ransomware is considered to be a type of crypto-ransomware due to its use of file encryption.

The last step of any ransomware is to send the targeted user a ransom notice. In the case of WannaCry Ransomware, it usually demands a large transfer of a specific cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin or Ethereum. When the hackers have received the set amount of coins or tokens, they allow the victim to decrypt and recover their files. 

WannaCry Ransomware generally targets computers using Microsoft’s Windows operating systems (OS). That’s because it's able to trick their Server Message Block (SMB) protocol to execute arbitrary code. 

Keep in mind that obfuscation is not something you have to worry about if you’d like to analyze the WannaCry ransomware.