Following closely behind the WannaCry campaign was a new variant of an older ransomware, dubbed NotPetya. The variant used similar tactics to the original Petya ransomware, though it had an entirely different agenda. By using the EternalBlue exploit made available by the Shadow Brokers back in March to attack unprotected Windows systems, NotPetya encrypted thousands of systems by booting to a fake ChkDsk to cover its actions, and then leaving the victims without a method to pay the ransom or make any attempts to retrieve their destroyed data.

Austin Castle

About the Author

Austin Castle

Social Media Manager

Austin Castle has explored the intersections of people and technology for 10 years. As social media manager, he creates a range of marketing and editorial content for Webroot’s global audience.