Another Massive Virus Attack Coming

Even as the hullabaloo over WannaCry or WannaCrypt ransomware attack has barely settled, news of another global cyber attack has emerged. Chinese agencies have issued a warning against a virus named UIWIX  that is targeting Windows desktops and devices. The virus is said to be spreading at a fast pace in the Western countries. 

However, as compared to WannaCry, the UIWIX virus seems to be spreading at a slower pace and yet, it is deemed more dangerous as there is no “kill switch.” Another warning against the new virus was issued by Danish cybersecurity company Heimdal Security. Analysts seem torn regarding the level of threat from the new virus, though most agencies advise users to exercise caution and treat all unidentified mails or files with caution. “UIWIX ransomware is picking up where the first WannaCry wave left off, without a kill switch domain and the same self-replicating abilities that enable it to spread fast,” Heimdal Security told AFP. China, affected severely by WannaCry, is taking double measures against any future attacks, suggest reports.

WannaCry, which was one of the most widely spread virus attacks in the recent times, incidents of newer cyber attacks are being reported on a daily basis. Adylkuzz, another virus attack linked to WannaCry, is also doing the rounds and Global cybersecurity firm Proofpoint has issued warnings regarding the virus too. Adylkuzz is a large-scale attack operates just like WannaCry and seeks a ransom from users after infecting their devices. Adylkuzz is predicted to predate the WannaCry attacks and be more severe in its outreach.

Regions like China which are believed to rely heavily on pirated software are often at the receiving end of the cyber attacks. While timely patches help secure devices, the ones that are outdated or have no modern security measures in place are at risk of giving away an easy access to cyber criminals. China has admitted to being attacked by multiple virus attacks each year – on netizen’s computers as well as official government devices. The country now plans to pass a new cyber-security bill, further restricting online freedom of speech and imposing new rules on online service providers