2017 virus infect pc news
You're referring to the WannaCry ransomware attack that occurred in May 2017. Here's a summary of the news:
What happened:
On May 12, 2017, a global ransomware attack known as WannaCry (also known as WannaCrypt) began spreading rapidly across the world, infecting over 200,000 computers in more than 150 countries. The attack targeted Windows operating systems, particularly older versions such as Windows XP, Windows 8, and Windows Server 2003.
How it spread:
The attack exploited a vulnerability in the Windows operating system, known as EternalBlue, which was discovered by the National Security Agency (NSA) and leaked online by a group of hackers known as the Shadow Brokers. The vulnerability was patched by Microsoft in March 2017, but many organizations and individuals failed to apply the patch, leaving their systems vulnerable to the attack.
What happened next:
Once infected, the ransomware encrypted files on the affected computers and demanded a ransom payment in Bitcoin to restore access to the data. The attackers demanded a payment of $300 to $600 per computer, with a deadline of 3 days to pay the ransom. If the deadline was not met, the attackers threatened to delete the encrypted files.
Impact:
The attack had a significant impact on various organizations and individuals, including:
- The National Health Service (NHS) in the UK, which was severely affected, with over 80 hospitals and clinics forced to shut down their IT systems.
- Several major companies, including FedEx, Renault, and Telefónica, which reported disruptions to their operations.
- Governments, including those in China, Russia, and Spain, which were also affected.
- Individuals, who reported losing access to their personal files and data.
Response:
In response to the attack, Microsoft released a patch for the EternalBlue vulnerability in March 2017, but many organizations and individuals failed to apply it. The UK's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and other government agencies worked to contain the spread of the attack, and several countries, including the US, UK, and China, issued warnings and advisories to their citizens.
Aftermath:
The WannaCry attack led to a significant increase in awareness about cybersecurity and the importance of patching vulnerabilities. It also highlighted the need for organizations and individuals to prioritize cybersecurity and take steps to protect themselves against future attacks.
Key takeaways:
- The WannaCry attack demonstrated the importance of patching vulnerabilities and keeping software up to date.
- The attack highlighted the need for organizations and individuals to prioritize cybersecurity and take steps to protect themselves against future attacks.
- The attack showed that even the most sophisticated organizations can be vulnerable to cyber attacks if they fail to take basic security measures.
I hope this summary helps!