Just "WannaCrypt," a cryptococcut attack that generates digital cash fast

San Francisco, May 17: "WannaCrypt" ransomeware exploits a vulnerability in Microsoft software, while Windows Vulnerability (MS17-010) is exploited to spread a different virus, which still generates digital cash from infected computers. According to a report in The Registrar on Wednesday, millions of computers have impacted targeted machinery through a "targeted attack" worldwide, while working on digital cash or "Monorro" crystalline output in the background.

"Monero" -- being popularised by North Korea-linked hackers, is an open-source cryptocurrency created in April 2014 that focuses on privacy, decentralisation and scalability. It is an alternative to Bitcoin and being used for trading in *****, stolen credit cards and counterfeit goods.

"Initial statistics suggest that this attack may be larger in scale than WannaCry[pt], because this attack shuts down SMB networking to prevent further infections with other malware (including the WannaCry[pt] worm) via that same vulnerability," US-based cyber security firm Proofpoint researchers were quoted as saying in the report.According to the researchers, the "Adylkuzz" attack is still growing.

"Once infected through use of the 'EternalBlue' exploit, the cryptocurrency miner 'Adylkuzz' is installed and used to generate cybercash for the attackers," Robert Holmes, Vice President of products at Proofpoint, was quoted as saying. According to experts, the Adylkuzz began its attack on or before May 2, more than a week before "WannaCrypt" arrived and hit 150 countries, including India. "Indications are that the crooks behind 'Adylkuzz' have generated a lot more money than the 'WannaCrypt' ransomware fiends," the report noted.

"Unlike Ransomware, malware which have been made by victims of any demands for money is deliberately stealthy, users only notice their Windows machine is running slowly and they do not have access to Windows resources to share," said the researchers. According to Cyberscoop.com, "Monorro" has been doubled at around $ 23 in the last month, with other digital currencies including bitcoin a mixed month. "Cyber criminals interested in a large number of currency promotions are increasingly using black markets", it says.