📌 Introduction
In May 2017, the world witnessed a devastating ransomware attack that spread rapidly across over 150 countries. Named WannaCry, this malware locked systems, demanded Bitcoin ransom, and brought even critical infrastructure to a halt.
💣 What Happened?
WannaCry exploited a Windows vulnerability called EternalBlue, which had been developed by the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) and leaked by a hacker group known as Shadow Brokers.
Although Microsoft had released a patch (MS17-010) two months earlier, many systems remained unpatched, especially in healthcare, telecom, and logistics sectors.
🔐 Ransomware Behavior
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Encrypted files and demanded ~$300 in Bitcoin
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Spread via SMB protocol (Server Message Block)
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Deployed a kill switch domain that halted its spread temporarily
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Targeted outdated versions of Microsoft Windows (e.g., XP, 7)
⚠️ Global Impact
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230,000+ computers affected across 150+ countries
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UK’s National Health Service (NHS) was severely disrupted
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Operations, ambulances, and patient care were affected
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Major corporations like FedEx, Renault, Telefónica were impacted
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Estimated global cost: $4 to $8 billion
❌ What Went Wrong
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Poor patch management across global networks
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Lack of basic cybersecurity hygiene
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No secure backup strategy
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Overdependence on outdated operating systems
✅ Cybersecurity Lessons Learned
| Area | Best Practice |
|---|---|
| Patch Management | Apply updates immediately after release |
| Backups | Maintain offline and cloud-based backups |
| Network Security | Disable unnecessary ports and services |
| Awareness | Educate employees on phishing and ransomware |
| OS Management | Upgrade legacy systems regularly |
📚 External Resources
🧠 Discussion Points
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Could WannaCry have been prevented with simple patching?
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What strategies should critical sectors like healthcare adopt?
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How should governments deal with vulnerabilities discovered by intelligence agencies?