WannaCry Also Hit Windows 7 Systems

WannaCry ransomware infection caused havoc in hundreds of countries and across hundreds of thousands of machines, and in the immediate aftermath of the hit many were pointing the finger at outdated versions of Windows XP for allowing WannaCry to cause so much damage.

However, new research from Kaspersky shows that 98% of the computers hit by WannaCry were actually running Windows 7, a more modern OS that's still officially supported by Microsoft.

A patch was issued to protect Windows 7 from this kind of exploit in March, so the affected machines would appear to be ones that hadn't yet been updated. This shows that running a more recent version of Windows doesn't necessarily make you safe: it's the regular patching and updating that keeps you (and your business) protected, not just upgrading your OS as a whole. 

Microsoft no longer provides regular patches for Windows XP, which is why last week's update in response to WannaCry was so unusual. Now it turns out that attacks on Windows 7, an OS released in 2009 that's still the most popular in terms of market share, running on 48.5% of desktop computers worldwide, were far more common.

Windows 10 is the only version of Windows that's completely safe from WannaCry, according to Microsoft, though the ransomware continues to evolve out in the wild. A small number of Windows 10 hits are shown in Kaspersky's chart, but these are due to manual infections carried out for testing.

Meanwhile, security experts continue to release tools to fight WannaCry, with the latest one removing the ransomware as long as the infected system hasn't been rebooted. If you're after a complete guide to how you can stay protected, TechRadar have got you covered.

TechRadar

You Might Also Read:

North Korea's Unit 180 Managed WannaCry Attack:

What We Know About The WannaCry Cyberattack So Far:


 

« Making Sense Of Dark Data
Eight Steps For Cloud Security »

CyberSecurity Jobsite
Perimeter 81

Directory of Suppliers

Alvacomm

Alvacomm

Alvacomm offers holistic VIP cybersecurity services, providing comprehensive protection against cyber threats. Our solutions include risk assessment, threat detection, incident response.

XYPRO Technology

XYPRO Technology

XYPRO is the market leader in HPE Non-Stop Security, Risk Management and Compliance.

The PC Support Group

The PC Support Group

A partnership with The PC Support Group delivers improved productivity, reduced costs and protects your business through exceptional IT, telecoms and cybersecurity services.

ON-DEMAND WEBINAR: What Is A Next-Generation Firewall (and why does it matter)?

ON-DEMAND WEBINAR: What Is A Next-Generation Firewall (and why does it matter)?

Watch this webinar to hear security experts from Amazon Web Services (AWS) and SANS break down the myths and realities of what an NGFW is, how to use one, and what it can do for your security posture.

North Infosec Testing (North IT)

North Infosec Testing (North IT)

North IT (North Infosec Testing) are an award-winning provider of web, software, and application penetration testing.

The Networking People (TNP)

The Networking People (TNP)

TNP supplies independent advice allowing large organisations to design, build and operate their own networks independently of the established telecoms companies.

Security Onion Solutions

Security Onion Solutions

Security Onion Solutions is the creator and maintainer of Security Onion, a free and open platform for threat hunting, network security monitoring, and log management.

Intrasoft International

Intrasoft International

Intrasoft International is a leading European IT Solutions and Services Group offering a full range of IT services including Information Security.

European Recruitment

European Recruitment

European Recruitment is an award-winning, international recruitment agency specialising in niche technology areas including Cyber Security.

Payatu

Payatu

Payatu Technologies is a security testing and services company specialized in Software, Application and Infrastructure security assessments and deep technical security training.

Beazley

Beazley

Beazley are a specialist insurer with three decades of experience in providing clients with the highest standards of underwriting and claims service worldwide.

Critical Insight

Critical Insight

Critical Insight provide Managed Detection and Response, Vulnerability Detection, and Consulting Services to help you secure your mission-critical systems.

Cybriant

Cybriant

Cybriant Strategic Security Services provide a framework for architecting, constructing, and maintaining a secure business with policy and performance alignment.

Silent Sector

Silent Sector

Silent Sector is a cybersecurity services company that specializes in providing a wide range of managed security services.

Rede Nacional CSIRT

Rede Nacional CSIRT

Rede Nacional CSIRT is a national network of CSIRTs in Portugal aimed at cooperation and mutual assistance in the handling of incidents and in the sharing of good security practices.

Melius Cyber Security

Melius Cyber Security

Melius Cyber Security has developed a world-leading SaaS platform, Cyber Safe Plus, built around continuous assessment and improvement through vulnerability scanning and penetration testing

FINX Capital

FINX Capital

FINX strives to solve the cybersecurity issues with its proprietary technolog, FINX SHIELD, by utilizing big data, blockchain combined with artificial intelligence.

Saffron Networks

Saffron Networks

Saffron Networks is an ISO-certified company. We assure our clients of reliable solutions, specifically with the Security landscape and Enterprise Networking.

Liquis Inc.

Liquis Inc.

Liquis, founded in 2002, is one of the largest facility decommissioning services companies in the U.S.

Cyber and Fraud Centre – Scotland

Cyber and Fraud Centre – Scotland

The Cyber and Fraud Centre – Scotland exists to ensure Scottish organisations are as resilient as they can be against cyber and fraud crime.

Surf Security

Surf Security

SURF Security has transformed the browser into your strongest security asset while providing complete end-user privacy – all with full compliance.