The malware is well-known for "WannaCry", among other names. And what it does is encrypt your files asking for ransom in order to decrypt them (which is why it is called "ransomware"). You and I will then have a limited number of days to pay, or else the encrypted files are deleted.
This malware spreads itself across the network using a zero-day vulnerability which experts coined "EternalBlue". While Microsoft came out with the patch to address this vulnerability in its Windows Operating system, there are still a lot out there who are using both new and legacy unpatched systems, or are simply not aware of this existing threat.
If you have not done so, the link to the Windows patches is: Microsoft Security Bulletin 17-010 (Critical). In the essence of being informed, what WannaCry malware does is better explained in this youtube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88jkB1V6N9w.
Now if you have actually installed the updates and want to be sure, developers from a company Let's Get Digital came up with a tool to help you check systems. Download the software by clicking this link.
I tested it out on my computer. The result is in the screenshot below.
It seems the patches in place are keeping me safe (for now at least).
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Go ahead and install the patch immediately, if you haven't done so. As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is better than... But you already know that right?
