WannaCry Malicious Software: What you need to know

What you need to know about wannacry ransomware

On Friday, May 12, a global cyberattack was launched using ransomware, a type of malicious software that encrypts the victim’s files and requires a ransom be paid to the hacker to unlock the files. The ransomware called WannaCrypt, or WannaCry, uses a Microsoft vulnerability that affects all versions of Windows prior to Windows 10.  

A security patch (MS17-010), addressing the vulnerability was released in March for all supported operating systems. A patch for unsupported versions (XP, server 2003) was issued on Friday, May 12.

Get the Patch

If you manage your own Windows machine, and have not yet applied the patch, make sure to do so immediately, and then to ensure the patch is applied, reboot your machine. If you are unable to apply the patch, contact UIS at [email protected] for assistance. All centrally-managed machines have been patched. 

If your machine has become infected with the ransomware, contact Technology Help at 612-301-4357 (1-HELP).