Ransomware and Cyber Security: Case Study, Analysis, and Solutions

This report delves into the critical aspects of ransomware and cyber security, specifically examining the WannaCry attack. It begins by defining ransomware and its operational mechanisms, highlighting how it infiltrates systems and encrypts data, demanding ransom payments. The report then analyzes the WannaCry attack, detailing its impact on hospital systems and the subsequent disruption of medical data access. It emphasizes the importance of proactive measures to prevent such attacks, including regular software updates and the use of updated antivirus software. The report concludes by recommending actions such as considering ransom payment to restore system functionality, highlighting the prioritization of patient data security. The analysis stresses the urgency of securing systems and the critical role of the hospital management in responding to such incidents.

Running head: RANSOMWARE AND CYBER SECURITY
Ransomware And Cyber Security
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RANSOMWARE AND CYBER SECURITY
Ransomware is referred to as a special kind of malicious software. This, when infects
a system, threatens to reveal the data from it or block access to them, until a ransom amount
is paid. Ransomware attacks are caused through Trojans, which remain disguised as
legitimate files to be downloaded (O’Gorman & McDonald 2012). Recently, a high profile
Ransomware infiltrated billions of systems over the world. It was called, the WannaCry virus.
The attack on the hospital’s computer systems began suddenly and it froze systems
and encrypted all files. When employees made attempts to access those files, a ransom
message demanded a huge amount of $300 in bitcoins. Such kind of attacks pose a huge
threat on the hospital management. Having disabled file access, the hospital cannot read the
medical data of its patients, which is the gravest of issues being faced.
In order to stop this malware from spreading to more systems, the computer users in
the hospital must be more careful while using the internet. Moreover, the Windows Operating
System on which the machines are running must be updated regularly in order to fix
backdoor loopholes. Apart from that, the antivirus software must also be updated to the latest
versions that can prevent the systems from such malicious software (Akkas, Chachamis &
Fetahu 2017).
No specific global key has been released yet that can decrypt the files of all system
from the WannaCry Ransomware encryption. With the hospital network having been
compromised to a WannaCry attack, the earliest of actions must be taken. Therefore, it
would be best for the hospital management to pay off the ransom in order get the systems
back on their toes. Even the FBI have been recommending this informally. The security of
medical and personal data of thousands of people is involved, and hence must be prioritized.

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RANSOMWARE AND CYBER SECURITY
References
Akkas, A., Chachamis, C. N., & Fetahu, L. (2017). Malware Analysis of WanaCry
Ransomware.
O'Gorman, G., & McDonald, G. (2012). Ransomware: A growing menace. Symantec
Corporation.