We “WannaCry”: What Twitter Has to Say On Ransomware Attacks

The ransomware attack has already affected 2,00,000 systems.

The ransomware cyberattack, which has reportedly affected over 2,00,000 victims worldwide, could worsen as people return to work on Monday, European and British policing and security agencies have warned.

The worm, known as ‘WannaCry’ or ‘WannaCrypt’, has affected computers around the world since Friday, using a security flaw in Microsoft's Windows XP operating system.

Law enforcement agencies and cyber security experts took to social media to spread awareness about ways to stay protected from the attack.

Important advice from National Informatics Centre @nicdeity & @PuneCityPolice about #CyberCrime #ransomeware #WannaCry pic.twitter.com/HWkImOlZj9

— PUNE POLICE (@PuneCityPolice) May 15, 2017

Also Read: Ransomware Scare: CERT-In Issues Alert, Advisory on WannaCry

Let me put this politely.

Microsoft is royally fucked off with the NSA.https://t.co/5IwqK4VXjw #WannaCry pic.twitter.com/NJNk8UhLEf

— Graham Cluley (@gcluley) May 14, 2017

While a security blogger managed to accidentally stop the spread of the virus, it’s only a matter of time before another, more powerful strain of the virus appears.

Technical analysis of what happened with #WanaCry #ransomware by @malwareunicorn#WCry#WannaCry#CyberAttack #cyberrisk #cybersecurity pic.twitter.com/P6iwgc0QFM

— Pradeep Rao (@pradeeprao_) May 15, 2017

150 Countries Affected

Despite warnings, it got worse. From UK to New Zealand, WannaCry is global. Blue dots represent IP addresses affected. #wannacry #ransomware pic.twitter.com/awCZdsNJ5S

— Bruce Hudson (@ganttnz) May 15, 2017

Bitcoin wallets linked to WannaCry are receiving hefty payments.

The three bitcoin wallets tied to #wcry ransomware have received 139 payments totaling $38,747.87 USD.

— actual ransom (@actual_ransom) May 15, 2017

There’s really no need to recommend that users turn on full-disk encryption in 2017. Ransomware will do this for you automatically

— Pinboard (@Pinboard) May 14, 2017

“Mac Users WannaLOL”

Some tried to find humour in the situation.

Don't worry boss, no-one outside the company will ever know we were hit by #WannaCry pic.twitter.com/ciI2gdBVSR

— Graham Cluley (@gcluley) May 14, 2017

Also Read: After the NHS, Ransomware Attack Hits Andhra Police Systems

Could be worse.... ;) #WannaCry pic.twitter.com/8kKsUQ1Qwj

— Edwin van Andel (@Yafsec) May 14, 2017

So you exit the parking lot and want to pay, but the Q-park machine is hit by #wannacrypt #WannaCry #Ransomware pic.twitter.com/3xPL2oWtDU

— Patrick Coomans (@patrickcoomans) May 13, 2017

If your computer uses Windows under 10. Dont use it to stalk your crush who is now happy with their lover. Otherwise you might get WannaCry.

— Handoko Tjung (@handokotjung) May 15, 2017

Mac users #WannaLol#WannaCry

— Pooja Jain (@Pooja9304) May 15, 2017

I have the fix for #wannacry. It's called HeresMyShoulder.exe

— Gamal A Sidharta (@gsidharta) May 15, 2017

Also Read: World Braces for More Ransomware Attacks As Work Week Begins