Case Study (Introduction)

WannaCry Threat: Ransomware Attack 2017

The case study I will be discussing in this blog will be about The WannaCry Ransomware Attack. This blog aims to explore the dangers of ransomware and highlight the importance of learning about this topic. According to Mohurle and Patil (2017), The WannaCry Ransomware Attack in 2017 was listed as the worst and most malicious attack ever. This attack can take place when harmful software prevents users from accessing files or systems and encrypting those files or the entire device and holds them hostage, unless the victim pays a ransom in exchange for a key decryption (unlock the encryption) which permits the victims to gain access to the encrypted files and systems. Furthermore, both authors stated that the first ransomware attack occurred in 1989 and was called the AIDS Trojan and was spread using floppy disks, which led the Panama post office to pay for the ransomware. However, this attack is considered simple when comparing it to the attacks that happen nowadays. Moreover, learning about ransomware attacks will help us understand how cybercriminals can hold our data hostage. It will also teach us how to protect our devices. In some cases, we can use these skills to combat hackers.

Reference List:

Mohurle, S. and Patil, M., 2017. A brief study of wannacry threat: Ransomware attack 2017. International Journal of Advanced Research in Computer Science, 8(5), pp.1938-1940. Available at: 2261f190e292ad93d6887198d7050dec.pdf (sbgsmedia.in). [Last Accessed 28th of May 2023]