Starting as a fake Ukrainian tax software update, this ransomware is a variant of an older attack dubbed Petya, except this version uses the same exploit behind WannaCry. Once the software update was applied to devices, hackers used the exploits to spread laterally through networks like a worm. The code used to build NotPetya was not designed to extort money from its victims, but rather to destroy everything it its path. Inception: June 2017; Attack vector: Supply Chain ME.doc and Eternal Blue & Eternal Romance Exploit

LeVar Battle

About the Author

LeVar Battle

Senior Communications Manager

LeVar Battle has produced content for healthcare and technology for more than 10 years. He is now a corporate communications and social media manager for Webroot leading the blog editorial and social media team.