Bhopal: The cyber security agencies are still battling to stem the effects of massive cyber attack by malware named WannaCry on computer systems around the world. It seems the cyber warfare will only intensify as a new more dangerous and updated version of the malware known as EternalRocks has come up, which might be more lethal. WannaCry hit millions of computer systems in over 120 countries. After attacking the computer system, it encrypts all the data stored in it and asks its user to pay a ransom amount in terms of virtual currency called Bitcoin in lieu of decrypting the hostage data. EternalRocks do not encrypt the data of the infected computer but discreetly gains access to all the data stored in the computer. EternalRocks is much more lethal than WannaCry and there is no way it can be killed or disabled, said city-based cyber security expert Hemraj Singh Chauhan while speaking to Free Press.
Explaining the new malware, Chauhan said EternalRocks was recently discovered by a Croatian cyber security expert and warns if it spreads worldwide like WannaCry hit millions of computer systems in over 120 countries. After attacking the computer system, it encrypts all the data stored in it and asks its user to pay a ransom amount in terms of virtual currency called Bitcoin in lieu of decrypting the hostage data. EternalRocks do not encrypt the data of the infected computer but discreetly gains access to all the data stored in the computer. EternalRocks is much more lethal than WannaCry and there is no way it can be killed or disabled, said city-based cyber security expert Hemraj Singh Chauhan while speaking to Free Press. Explaining the new malware, Chauhan said EternalRocks was recently discovered by a Croatian cyber security expert and warns if it spreads worldwide like Wannacry, it would have much disastrous effect on the global cyber world. WannaCry uses two hacking tools of National Security Agencys (USA) but EternalRocks uses all its seven hacking tools while attacking a computer system. Unlike WannaCry, it is designed in such a way that it remains undetectable while it functions in the infected computer system. Once infected in a computer system, it disguises itself as WannaCry but instead of damaging the computer by
Unlike WannaCry, it is designed in such a way that it remains undetectable while it functions in the infected computer system. Once infected in a computer system, it disguises itself as WannaCry but instead of damaging the computer by enrcypting its data for a ransom, it gains unauthorised control of the infected computer to launch cyber attacks, he said. He further said this newly discovered malware functioned in a totally discreet and undetectable manner. Once infused in a computer system, it would download the Tor web browser which is the underworld of cyber world and nobody can trace the activities happening through the browser which includes illegal weapons selling, human trafficking, drugs selling and all other illegal activities. After being downloaded, Tor web browser would then connect to its command and control (C&C) server located on Tor network. The malware after connecting to its C&C server after 24 hours starts downloading all the seven hacking tools
The malware after connecting to its C&C server after 24 hours starts downloading all the seven hacking tools in the infected computer. It then uses the internet to spread itself to other computers connected with the same internet network, added Chauhan warning that the cyber security agencies needed to brace up to fight such a lethal malware quickly. In the WannaCry attack, at least six computers of the accounts department of Southern Railways in Kerala were infected. Taking a leaf out of the incident, West Central Railway (WCR) has also taken some steps to fight any possible attack by the malware. So far no attacks have been reported on the computer systems of WCR by the malware. However we have asked the IT department to be vigilant and alert to avert any cyber attack on the computer systems, said public relation officer, WCR, I Siddiqui while speaking to Free Press. When Free Press contacted state cyber cell of MP police, superintendent Shailendra Singh Chauhan said the cyber cell has not received any complaint about the attack by EternalRocks. So far no case has been reported
However we have asked the IT department to be vigilant and alert to avert any cyber attack on the computer systems, said public relation officer, WCR, I Siddiqui while speaking to Free Press. When Free Press contacted state cyber cell of MP police, superintendent Shailendra Singh Chauhan said the cyber cell has not received any complaint about the attack by EternalRocks. So far no case has been reported in the state about any such cyber attack. In the cyber world it is a continuous war between the attackers and the cyber security agencies. Every other day some new computer virus comes up and the agencies find solutions to fight it. The state cyber cell had issued an advisory regarding the WannaCry malware. If any case comes up related to EternalRocks then we would evaluate it and take necessary steps, said Chauhan.
