Wannacry Ransomware – How to Prevent it?

Wannacry Ransomware is a deadly malware that encrypts data and systems exploiting the EternalBlue vulnerability in Server Message Block (SMB) protocols in Microsoft Windows OS. It encrypts all the data, apps, files, and documents inside the device and locks the user out of the system making him unable to access critical information inside the device. To decrypt the data and stop its malicious operations it asks for heavy ransom payments in Bitcoin from the victim. It is capable of wreaking havoc across different industries. Keep reading to learn more about Wannacry Ransomware and best practices on how to deal with it.

Written by Waqar Khan
Published on February 3, 2025

History of Wannacry Ransomware

Wannacry Ransomware became notorious in 2017 when it infected 250,000 systems in 156 countries and inflicted severe damage in different industries like healthcare, finance, education, telecommunications, and critical government organizations. It used the EternalBlue exploit, a tool developed by the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) to exploit vulnerabilities in Microsoft’s Server Message Block (SMBv1) protocol. A hacking group called Shadow Brokers stole this exploit in April 2017 and used it to hijack Windows operating systems and lock down the whole data and information inside the device.

After the ransomware spread and infected the computers and networks hackers demanded a $300 to $600 ransom payment through Bitcoin to provide the decrypt key. They doubled the ransom amount if someone failed to pay the amount and deleted the whole data. In this incident, over 250,000 systems in 150+ countries were infected within a day. UK’s National Health Service (NHS) and Renault, FedEx, and Deutsche Bahn are some of the top organizations that bear the brunt of major information lost in this attack.

Microsoft had already released the patch (MS17-010) in March 2017 to fix the EternalBlue exploit. However careless users who did not download the new patch became victims of ransomware attacks. They lost their data and locked out of their system unable to access any data in their devices.

How Does Wannacry Ransomware Spread?

WannaCry Ransomware uses different channels and gateways to spread into a system that includes unpatched Microsoft Windows Systems. EternalBlue system vulnerability is one of them. Once inside the system it self-replicates and scans other devices on the same network with the SMBv1 vulnerability. If it finds the same vulnerability on other systems then it exploits them and infiltrates into the vulnerable system and uses strong algorithms (AES and RSA) to encrypt device data and access controls.

In addition to this, it can use the DoublePulsar tool which is another exploit that is derived from the NSA. DoublePulsar is a backdoor that facilitates hackers to run malicious codes on a compromised system. Hackers use it along with the EternalBlue vulnerability to infect a system. Then there are phishing emails, malicious attachments, spoofed links, and downloads that play a primary role in spreading and distributing Wannacry Ransomware on the system. When a user interacts with such content and follows the prompts malware covertly slips into their device`s OS.

How to prevent Wannacry Ransomware?

Now that you know how Wannacry Ransomware executes its malicious operations and what channels it uses to infiltrate a system you can easily prevent it from entering your device and protect your valuable data from getting hijacked. So, here are some effective tips that help you protect against Wannacry Ransomware:

Keep your System Up-to-date

Wannacry Ransomware uses system vulnerabilities and backdoors to infiltrate a system. Hence, it is highly recommended that you keep your system up-to-date to fix the vulnerabilities and security vents that develop over time. Download new patches as soon as they are made available.

Avoid Suspicious Links

Attackers use spoofed links with seemingly legitimate URLs to manipulate a user and infiltrate malware in his system. When a user clicks these suspicious links it directs them to spoofed websites that are planted with malware. As soon as the user visits the website the malware moves into his system. Hence, you must avoid clicking suspicious links without knowing their source of origin and redirections.

Be Careful of Email Attachments

Malicious Email attachments are another common way cybercriminals exploit to inject Wannacry Ransomware into a device. They send these attachments in emails and when a user opens them or enables macros it spreads to the system. Therefore, you need to be careful with the email attachments before you proceed with them, ensure they are safe and coming from a trusted source.

Avoid Unsecure Websites

Do not visit unsecure websites on the internet for downloads, information, updates, and enquiries. Websites having HTTP at the beginning of their URL are considered unsafe. They do not follow proper internet security protocols, data encryption, and user security policies. These websites can be malicious and contain malware and viruses. Whenever you visit a website look for HTTPS at the beginning of the URL along with a Padlock. ‘S’ in HTTPS stands for secure and padlock represents internet security protocols and data encryption. So, make sure you are visiting a secure website to do your online activities.

Along with this, you should always use the official websites and trusted online platforms to do your downloads and seek any type of information. Avoid third-party platforms or any random site for critical activities. It will keep you safe from spoofed sites and platforms and deliver you the value you are looking for.

Use a VPN

Consider using a trusted VPN to browse the internet safely and avoid man-in-the-middle attacks. A VPN creates a private connection when you connect to the internet and hides your device’s IP address from the outside servers. It overrides the network connection the Internet service provider provides and hides your online activities from all the active agents on the Internet including government agencies, third-party networks, and company servers. Due to this, no one would be able to trace you and infiltrate any virus in your device.

Most importantly, it protects you from cyber hackers when you are using Public WiFi. When you connect your device to a freely available open internet connection in public places it makes your device connection private and hides it from all the other active elements on the network. This way you can confidently browse the internet and complete your online activities without any tension.

Use Security Software

You must equip your personal computer and internet devices with robust antivirus software to detect and prevent malware inside the operating system. Choose a security software that offers proactive defense features such as real-time protection, behavior analysis, browser security, and macro virus heuristics. These advanced security features create an impenetrable defense inside out and successfully detect and prevent deadly cyber attacks containing ransomware, spyware, trojans, and phishing attacks. Keep your security software up to date and run in-depth scans to find and remove hidden malicious programs from your device system.

Regular Data Backup

Last but not least it is highly important that you take data backup regularly of your device in different locations including cloud storage, USBs, and other storage drivers. It provides you complete peace of mind if your device is infected with deadly ransomware like Wannacry. You can always go to this back and recover all the data from it. Attackers won’t be able to do any harm to you even if they manage to enter your device and hijack your system. You can use the data backup to reinstate all the files, documents, and archives inside your device. It saves you from the pressure of paying the ransom money and disrupting the whole business and work operations.

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Wannacry Ransomware – How to Prevent it?

History of Wannacry Ransomware

How Does Wannacry Ransomware Spread?