Case Study: Anatomy of a Ransomware Attack By: Vidit Shringi | ©VS Corporation 1. Introduction Ransomware is a form of malicious software that encrypts data or locks systems, demanding a ransom for restoration. Over the past decade, ransomware has grown into a billion-dollar cybercrime industry. This case study dissects the anatomy of a ransomware attack , detailing its life cycle, tools used, impact on organizations, and strategies for defense. 2. Case Overview: WannaCry Attack (May 2017) Target: Organizations worldwide, including UK’s National Health Service (NHS), FedEx, Telefonica, and multiple universities and factories. Type of Ransomware: WannaCry – a crypto-ransomware worm exploiting Windows vulnerabilities (EternalBlue exploit). Damage: Infected over 230,000 computers in 150 countries . Estimated economic cost: $4 to $8 billion USD . Hospitals had to cancel surgeries and appointments due to inaccessible medical records. 3. Anatomy of t...