Ransomware - A Ray of Hope

I received a mail from my bank, reading as under:-

Ransomware Security Advisory:

1.    Do not use internet where CBS is accessed.

2.    Do not pay any ransom.

3.    Update the security patches.

4.    Do not download unsolicited mail/ Link.

5.    Do not use removable devices mechanism for reactive defense.

6.    Disconnect the affected system from the rest of the network and internet to prevent the threat from further spreading.

7.    Restrict sharing the files of ransomware infected system using pen drives and other removable drives.

There was a news item that a few banks have suspended their ATM services. I thought some cyber attack has been made on banking services.

 But the WannaCry virus  had affected  business, schools, hospitals, factories, banks, government agencies and transport system across 150 countries. The interesting part is that the malicious worm encrypts the data and locks it. The unlocking key is only with the hackers who provide it after receiving the ransom money. Some people have already paid the  amount in bit coins and got their data released. What a daylight daring robbery.

President Putin said that Russia had nothing to do with a massive global  cyber attack and alleged the US intelligence community for creating the original software. Microsoft President Brad Smith also stated that the US National Security Agency developed the code used in the attack. It seems this is not a simple ransom demand technique,  but there is great game plan. Shakespeare had said 400 year before, "there is method in this madness". I also smell some method in this game plan.

From the day Donald Trump took oath of President, he has been candidly expressing his concerns about the state of mess this world is in. First he said that he would eradicate the threat of  radical  terrorism from the face of the earth. Then expressed his anguish that he has inherited the world in a mess and assured to take care of it. Syrian government's chemical attack disturbs him. North Korea's ballistic missiles are causing him headache.

The concerns of President Trump carry weight. This world is in great mess as never before. Somebody has to come forward to save it otherwise nobody will be there to witness the end of human civilization. Time has  gone for battle ground war. Time is also over  for bombing attack and militant or terrorist fight.  No nation can win the battle with any of these methods. Time has come for technological war.  Think, if America attacks North Korea, the amount of destruction is unimaginable since North Korea has atom and hydrogen bombs; and also inter-continental ballistic missiles. The only solution is to hack their computer system and then attack. Korea will not be able to execute any of their arsenal. The same strategy can be adopted with militants and terrorists.

If US does not own the responsibility to set the world right then who will take. The other alternatives are Russia or China. But these are not feasible. If what President Putin has said is correct that USA has developed this bug; then it is a ray of hope for human civilization to survive. WannaCry ransomware is only a test fire. If USA  jam the computer systems of North Korea and the radical terrorists; and then attack them, human civilization will survive.

If for any reason, President Trump fails in his mission then all hopes will lie on Mr Elon Musk who has ambitious plan to set up a human colony on Mars. At least a few of us will live for the survival of human race.

Tilak Gulati, Assistant General Manager, UCO Bank, Bhopal

Author:  www.itstrgulati.blogspot.in