A massive ransomware attack, dubbed WannaCry, which started last week is still wrecking havoc on several computers across the world. Computers systems of companies and organizations like FedEx, Nissan, Hitachi, the Russian Central Bank, Telefonica and the British National Health Service have been affected. In India too, the ransomware has claimed victims including Tirupati temple and some computers at police stations in Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Limited. However, there are also several myths and rumours floating on the internet and various WhatsApp groups related to this ransomware.
Here are 5 myths about the ransomware attack.
1. Myth: Ransomware attacks affect only big companies
One of the biggest myths is that ransomware attacks target only big companies. However, realistically anyone can be at the receiving end of such hacking attacks. Several SMBs and home PC users too have been affected by the recent WannaCry cyberattacks. Also, it is easier to hurt small organizations and home PC users than big giants. Cybercriminals are increasingly getting smarter, so to unencrypt files they ask for an amount which may be significant for the victim, but not impossible to pay.
2. Myth: It is unsafe to use ATMs post the ransomware attack
One of the biggest myths doing rounds is that it has become dangerous to use ATMs post the WannaCry ransomware hack. There are several such messages floating on various WhatsApp groups, forbidding users from using ATMs. However, experts have debunked this fear. "ATMs usually do not save any financial transaction data. Hence, I do not think that machines will be particularly vulnerable to such malware attacks, which encrypt files," chief executive of an ATM manufacturing company told ET. Majority of ATMs in India operate on Windows XP, these machines also have a firmware that limits their activities to bare basics.
Also, the slower speeds at which systems operate is also said to be helpful in preventing the spread of malware, which is usually a big file.
3. Myth: ATMs shut due WannaCry ransomware
There have been rumours that several ATMs across the country have been shut down due to WannaCry ransomware. However, allaying these fears a Reserve Bank of India (RBI) spokesperson said that there is no impact on ATMs due to ransomware anywhere in the country. He added, "Even if any ATM is not operational, it could be because of no cash or some technical upgradation which happens on regular basis. But (there has been) no small or big impact due to ransomware."
4. Myth: One cannot recover data hacked by ransomware (except by paying the ransom)
Another big myth related to ransomware is that there is no way to recover data hacked by ransomware. However, there is a simple (or rather easiest way), just head to your last backup and retrieve the data. This means that users who regularly back up their data and ensure that security tools installed on their computers are always up-to-date need not worry about such attacks. Up-to-date backup makes it possible to restore data without paying that ransom.
5. Myth: Opening of 'Dance of Hillary' video will automatically format your phone
Many of us have received the message about 'Opening of Dance of Hillary video' on WhatsApp. The message warns users against opening this video and claims that it will automatically format their smartphone and steal all financial information stored on them. To emphasize on the authenticity of the claim, the message says that this was announced on BBC radio. However, it is actually an edited version of another old hoax and is not related anywhere to the WannaCry ransomware.