WannaCry Ransomware: Are Smartphones Safe? Is the Danger Still Looming?

Last week, one of the largest cyber security attacks of recent times affected over 300,000 Windows systems worldwide with WannaCry or WannaCrypt ransomware — a malware which exploits a Windows bug and gains access to the system, locking the crucial files.

WannaCry is Unlikely to Affect Updated Smartphones

There has been increasing fear that Android devices might also be affected by the WannaCry ransomware which is spreading like wildfire but luckily, for now, the malware is only hitting systems on a server and are targeted towards organisations which are more likely to pay than individuals. But nothing can be said for sure regarding the attacker’s intentions, they can choose to target smartphones at any time too. The good news is Google releases security updates for Android devices almost every month — although in certain countries the carriers are responsible for rolling these over to their customers. Even devices running on older Android OS like Kitkat or Marshmallow receive security updates, even if they’re unable to use new features like Google Assistant. Google fixes any new found security vulnerability via these updates and if your device has the latest security update from Google, there is nothing to worry about. Even though Google tries to send updates for most of the Android-powered devices, reportedly , over 100 million devices are still running on outdated security software and can be vulnerable to ransomware attacks.

Precautions to Prevent Ransomware Attack

 For the most part of it, Google’s security updates keep your Android devices safe from ransomware and many other kinds of threats but being a bit extra vigilant to keep your device and the data that it holds safe doesn’t really harm.

* Download apps only from trustworthy sources like Google Play store. Many websites which let you download paid apps for free usually supply you with apps containing some kind of adware or malware.
*Ensure that Google’s security system — Verify Apps — which analyses an app before it’s installed onto your device for potential threats is activated. Go to your device settings, find ‘Google’ under Personal or Accounts, tap on ‘Security’ and then ‘Verify Apps’. Activate ‘Scan device for security threats’.
*Check your Android Security updates . Make sure that you’ve the latest security update in order to ensure optimum protection.
*Back up your device either on your computer, a cloud-based service or a portable USB disk. This will ensure that even if you have to reset your device to get rid of the ransomware, you don’t lose any data. This is also useful in case the attacker threatens to delete your data if ransom demands aren’t met.
*Always take some time out to check out the app’s rating and read few reviews before you download and install any app on your device — this also helps in establishing the legitimacy of the app and protect you against dummy apps which try to impersonate the original ones

There are a healthy number of websites and security firms that are trying to inform people regarding the threats of malware and also supplying them with tools to prevent it as well as decrypt the information that has been locked by an attacker

How to protect yourself from ransomware

The cyber attack that wreaked havoc across the NHS over the weekend, leading to patients being turned away from A&E and some operations being cancelled, has continued to spread.
By Monday afternoon, it the ransomware had targeted around 200,000 organisations in 150 countries.
 The "WannaCry" ransomware appears to have used a flaw in Microsoft's software, discovered by the National Security Agency and leaked by hackers, to spread rapidly across networks locking away files.

The attackers download malicious software onto a device and then use it to encrypt the victim's information. They threaten to block access to the files until a ransom is paid. It is common for criminals to ask for a fee between 0.3 and 1 Bitcoins (£400 - 1,375). Such attacks are mostly waged against businesses, but can also affect individuals.

 Here are some ways to protect yourself from ransomware .


Back up your files

 The greatest damage people suffer from a ransomware attack is the loss of files, including pictures and documents.
 The best protection against ransomware is to back up all of the information and files on your devices in a completely separate system. A good place to do this is on an external hard drive that isn't connected to the internet. This means that if you suffer an attack you won't lose any information to the hackers.Businesses often save copies of their data to external servers that won't be affected if their main network is attacked.

Be suspicious of emails, websites and apps 

For ransomware to work hackers need to download malicious software onto a victims computer. This is then used to launch the attack and encrypt files.
 The most common ways for the software to be installed on a victim's device is through phishing emails, malicious adverts on websites, and questionable apps and programs.
People should always exercise caution when opening unsolicited emails or visiting websites they are unfamiliar with. Never download an app that hasn't been verified by an official store, and read reviews before installing programs.

Use an antivirus program

An age-old computer security tip, antivirus programs can stop ransomware from being downloaded onto computers and can find it when it is.
Most antivirus programs can scan files to see if they might contain ransomware before downloading them. They can block secret installations from malicious adverts when you're browsing the web, and look for malware that may already be on a computer or device.

 Always install updates

 Companies often release software updates to fix vulnerabilities that can be exploited to install ransomware. It is therefore advisable to always download the newest version of a software as soon as it is available.

Never pay the ransom

 Victims of ransomware attacks are advised to never pay the fee as it encourages attackers and may not result in files being recovered. There are some programs that can help decrypt files. Or, if you have a back up, you can restore your device from that.