Microsoft has released a patch to fix the issues that have crippled millions of Windows systems via the WannaCry ransomware on Friday. The support release works on the outdated Windows XP, Windows 8 and Windows Server 2003, as per the company.
Also Read: After Britain, ‘Ransomware’ Cyber Attack Spreads to Other Nations
Today many of our customers around the world and the critical systems they depend on were victims of malicious “WannaCrypt” software. Seeing businesses and individuals affected by cyber attacks, we have worked throughout the day to ensure we understood the attack and were taking all possible actions to protect our customers.Microsoft
In addition to this, Microsoft has also listed out the concerns that come along with such cyber attacks, which is capable of leaving your data vulnerable to hackers. This is what Microsoft has to advise to its users across the globe right now:
Some of the observed attacks use common phishing tactics, including malicious attachments. Customers should use vigilance when opening documents from untrusted or unknown sources.Microsoft
A huge cyber attack leveraging hacking tools widely believed to have been developed by the US National Security Agency brought disruption to Britain’s health system on Friday and later on infected dozens of other countries around the world, including India.
Also Read: Most ATMs in India Are Easy Targets for Hackers & Malware Attacks
Windows has been spiralling in a dangerous territory, and the recent leak of hacking tools from NSA have only added to the concern of many consumers.
Microsoft might have discontinued its security services for Windows XP, 8 and others, but that hasn’t stopped people across the world from using it. In India, most of our ATM machines are still running on Windows XP, which is a recipe for cyber disaster like this one.
Compared to countries in the UK, India is still in its early stages of adopting digital services. Which is why there has been a huge outcry about Aadhaar and the data that it holds.
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)