UPSC Prelims 2018·GS1·science-and-technology·it and communication

The terms 'WannaCry, Petya and EternalBlue' sometimes mentioned in the news recently are related to

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Last updated 23 May 2026, 3:31 pm IST
  1. AExoplanets
  2. BCryptocurrency
  3. CCyber attacksCorrect
  4. DMini satellites

Explanation

The terms 'WannaCry,' 'Petya' (also known as NotPetya), and 'EternalBlue' are widely known in the context of major global cyber incidents that occurred around 2017 and thereafter. 1. **WannaCry**: This was a widespread ransomware cyberattack that targeted computers running Microsoft Windows by encrypting data and demanding ransom payments in the Bitcoin cryptocurrency. It exploited a vulnerability in the Windows operating system. 2. **Petya (NotPetya)**: This was another sophisticated cyberattack that initially appeared to be ransomware but was later identified as a 'wiper' that aimed to destroy data, significantly impacting organizations worldwide. 3. **EternalBlue**: This was the name of a software exploit developed by the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) that was leaked by the 'Shadow Brokers' hacker group. Both WannaCry and NotPetya utilized the EternalBlue exploit to spread rapidly across networks. Therefore, all these terms are directly related to cyber attacks, specifically involving malware and exploits.
science-and-technology: The terms 'WannaCry, Petya and EternalBlue' sometimes mentioned in the news recently are related to

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