WannaCry Ransomware Attack: Is it Safe to Shop Online?

Amidst the hullabaloo of WannaCry Ransomware attack, there have been some WhatsApp forwards doing the rounds warning people not to shop online as it might put their devices at risk of getting infected.

Refuting the rumours, here’s what Jimish Jobanputra, Chief-Technology-Officer and co-founder of DesiDime.com, an online shopping community , has to say,

“ WannaCry, a crypto-ransomware that is also called WannaCrypt affected at least over 45,000 computers in India as per the reports. Since only Windows machines were impacted, eCommerce sites which usually would be running in Cloud environment backed by Unix based Servers, those servers would not be directly impacted.  These are not under any threat from WannaCry Ransomware, which is infecting only Windows OS. So, it is perfectly safe to shop and pay online, as long as you are buying from trusted sites that use secure payment gateways. Avoid opening suspicious looking websites and emails, because that is how this virus can infect your computer.”

For more better understanding here is the crisp and to-the -point information:

1.The WannaCry Ransomware virus spreads through emails and clicking on suspicious links. Also unless you do not have any malicious file downloaded on your PC, this virus cannot infect your device.

2.Most eCommerce/ shopping sites are hosted on Cloud environment backed by Linux/Unix Servers, which are not affected by WannaCry Ransomware attack.

3. Install a good anti-virus and the security patches released by Microsoft on your devices.

4. Make sure your internet connection is safe and secure.

5. Shop via mobile apps, as the WannaCry ransomeware is only targeted at devices running on Windows OS.