Among all the ransomware strain, the cyber world has come across in the last couple of years, WannaCry arguably has been the most lethal and impactful one. Last year, the world came to know about this ransomware strain that affected hundreds and thousands of computers all across the globe in a single attack.
This week a team of cybersecurity researchers has found out about a spam campaign that is using the name of WannaCry to scare the users. The email informs the recipients that WannaCry is back and all the files on the targeted devices have been encrypted. Moreover, the email reads that all the devices with Windows, Linux, Android, MacOS, and iOS installed are subjected to the encryption activity. The instigators are asking for $650 in Bitcoin for ransomware removal.
It’s Just a Hoax
After thoroughly checking the recipient device, security researchers have concluded that this email is just a hoax and should be treated as a spam. WannaCry is not back and this spam campaign is just a brainchild of some rooky cybercriminals who are trying to rip off some gullible users in the name of ransomware removal. They have advised the users to discard any such email because it’s not connected with any ransomware activity.
Operators are Deliberately Using the Name of WannaCry
It is important to understand why the operators of this spam campaign to scare people. For users who don’t know much about the threat of ransomware might have heard about WannaCry since it was in the mainstream news for quite some time. For all such users getting targeted by a WannaCry ransomware seems quite conceivable.
WannaCry is also known for its rapid proliferation in the affected network. This was one of the reasons why it was succeeded in affecting so many users in a single mass attack and even a WannaCry hoax can be worrying for users.
However, the good news is that its’ just a scam and nothing else. No file would be locked down and you don’t have to take any ransomware removal measure if you receive this email.
