Microsoft has done an in-depth analysis on the ‘Petya’ ransomware and claims that most of the systems which have been affected were using Windows 7, the version of Windows from 2009. Microsoft also stated that organisations and businesses running on older versions of Windows should upgrade to the latest Windows 10 as it has better security features and updated algorithms to provide protection from similar vulnerabilities.
After Microsoft made these statements, the Government of India has asked the company to offer a discounted one-time deal to the Windows users in the country so that they can upgrade to the latest Windows 10 operating system and stay immune from the ransomware attacks.
Gulshan Rai, India’s Cyber Security coordinator, told Reuters, “We have asked Microsoft to offer a one-time special pricing so that people are able to replace their old OS with the latest OS (Windows 10),”. He further added, “Microsoft officials in India have in-principle agreed to the request, we expect some details in a couple of days.” Rai was confident that the price would be less than a quarter of the current price.
The government has also worked with banks to ensure that some 200,000 of the more than 240,000 ATMs in the country, most of which run on older Windows XP systems, have been upgraded with security patches released by Microsoft following the WannaCry attack, Rai said.
The Windows 10 Home currently retails for Rs 7,999, while the Pro version of the software typically used by large companies and institutions costs Rs 14,999
In the light of the attacks, the Indian Government wants the common man to also upgrade their systems.
Earlier this week, the ‘Petya’ ransomware hit affected many organisations in India including Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) and also partially disrupted operations of private port operator APM Terminals Pipavav.