• WannaCry, a crypto-ransomware, also known as WannaCrypt, has affected over 1,00,000 computers spread over 100-150 countries, including India, on May 12.
• Termed as one of the biggest ransomware attacks the world has ever seen, this bug has slept open dark signs of vulnerabilities in the digital era.

What is ransomware and how is it different from ‘virus’?

• Ransomware is a type of malicious software designed to block access to a computer system until a demanded sum of money is paid.
• There are several ways to affect a computer, ranging from information theft to complete data deletion on the device.
• Ransomware, according to the name, does not let users access their own devices until a certain ransom is paid to its creator.
• Ransomware usually locks computers, encrypts the data on it and prevents software and apps from running.

Source: Financial Express