How are computers infected with WannaCry?

[Zonal]

I think we're safe from WannaCry in Windows 10, but it's pretty scary that ransomware can have such a big impact like this.

How did computers get infected in the first place? Did people download attachments and run them, or install scammy apps? Or does it spread without even doing anything?

I'm not so clued up with computers, so I hope this is the right place to ask.

 

[Bif]

"IT", the actual program/script actually originated from the NSA and was stolen/hacked and distributed by a malicious third party. All you need to do is simply click on an attachment, not download a thing which is the very scary part...as of right now it is affecting mainly XP machines due to them being unpatched and unsupported any longer but by no means is Windows 10 immune!...or any OS imo.
All computers due to their inherent nature and purpose are always vulnerable to these kind attacks.

 

[Trouble]

by no means is Windows 10 immune!...or any OS imo.

Indeed.....

It said it was set to sell access to previously undisclosed vulnerabilities, known as zero-days, that could be used to attack Microsoft Corp's (MSFT.O) latest software system, Windows 10

SOURCE: http://www.reuters.com/article/us-cyber-attacks-shadowbrokers-idUSKCN18C1N2

 

[Regedit32]

Peeling onions makes me wannacry

 

[davehc]

You might find this interesting, Zonal:

https://www.troyhunt.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-wannacrypt-ransomware/

Unfortunately, it isn't limited to what you are doing with your personal computer. Industry servers can be hit. Sounds unbelievable that such large organisations are vulnerable.

Real case. I am on an 8km copper line, shared by all between the local server and the end user. In the middle, somewhere, is a server keeping the system going for the second half of the line
Three days ago the local server got hit with the virus. All of us at the far end lost the internet. Fortunately the techs were onto it and, as a temporary measure, came the next day and, first, checked all the private computers for problems, and then switched to a standby computer. We were off for a day, and then, after another day, off for a period whilst they reinstalled the original (cleaned) computer.

 

[Bif]

Peeling onions makes me wannacry

At first glance I thought it said "peeing" onions, although it would have the same result..

 

[Wolfie]

Here is a nice run-down:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WannaCry_ransomware_attack

Plenty of tips online if anyone gets infected!.

https://howtoremove.guide/wanna-cry-virus-remove/

I am not advertising for any one Antivirus app, just saying that it is possible to remove the bug yourself!.

THINK BEFORE YOU CLICK ON ANY EMAIL ATTACHMENTS AND YOU SHOULD BE SAFE!.

I don't think it can infect Linux PC's as its main target is Windows and Apple PC's and Linux doesn't use the same type of executable afaik!.