04 September 2019

Eternal Blue: An Exploit Tool Used By Cyber Criminals To Hack Millions of Windows Computers

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EternalBlue is a powerful exploit created by the U.S National security Agency(NSA). The tool was stolen from them in 2017, and a group calling itself the Shadow Hackers leaked it. Later, cybercriminals used it to penetrate Microsoft Windows-based systems.
Windows released a patch over two years ago to fix the vulnerability in their software, but not everyone has updated their computers to seal the loophole.
What is EternalBlue?
02 Sept 2019 by Priya James
". . . In fact, 2 years later over one million computers that access the internet are yet to be updated. Here’s what you need to know about EternalBlue Exploit.
About EternalBlue
The NSA had to alert Microsoft about the Windows software’s vulnerability after they realized their hacking tool had been stolen, and it was about to be used by hackers to penetrate systems using the Windows operating system.
Windows were able to prepare and issue a patch one month before the EternalBlue tool was published by the mysterious Shadow Brokers. The patch covered all Windows operating systems since Windows 2000.
Since most computers were still unpatched, various cyber actors used the tool to attack systems that were not up to date . . .
In May this year, hackers used it to hold Baltimore City hostage and demanded a ransom. They froze computers, disrupted utility services, and interrupted businesses.
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If you are wondering how to protect your data from EternalBlue, here’s what to do
> Keep Your Windows Software Updated
The first step you should take is to keep your windows operating system updated, as noted by Wired.
> Deploy a Comprehensive Anti-Malware Software 
If you haven’t installed anti-malware on your computers, now’s the time.
Find a good tool that can scan your computer and network for any security issues, alert you on possible flaws and protect you against breaches.