Here’s the latest on the global ransomware attack (“Wanna Cry” variant) that started on Friday (from NPR):

A ransomware attack that began in Europe on Friday is lingering — and hitting new targets in Japan and China. The WannaCry software has locked thousands of computers in more than 150 countries. Users are confronted with a screen demanding a $300 payment to restore their files.

The cyberattack has hit more than 300,000 computers, White House homeland security adviser Tom Bossert said at Monday’s midday White House briefing. He added that the rate of infection has slowed over the weekend.

Here’s a few videos to help bring this subject to life:

•  Video explainer from CNN
• PBS Newshour video (6 minutes) describing the initial outbreak last Friday

Questions:

• In your own words, what is ransomware?
• How as this “hack attack” able to spread on a worldwide basis?
• What are some examples of the economic damage this has caused businesses?
• Write down what you would lose if your device and/or laptop was hit by ransomware.
• What are three steps that you can take to protect yourself?

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Check out the NGPF Lesson on Identity Theft to arm your students with the skills they need to protect themselves!

About the Author

Tim Ranzetta

Tim's saving habits started at seven when a neighbor with a broken hip gave him a dog walking job. Her recovery, which took almost a year, resulted in Tim getting to know the bank tellers quite well (and accumulating a savings account balance of over $300!). His recent entrepreneurial adventures have included driving a shredding truck, analyzing executive compensation packages for Fortune 500 companies and helping families make better college financing decisions. After volunteering in 2010 to create and teach a personal finance program at Eastside College Prep in East Palo Alto, Tim saw firsthand the impact of an engaging and activity-based curriculum, which inspired him to start a new non-profit, Next Gen Personal Finance.