Hackers on rampage unleash havoc on computers news 2017

You're referring to the WannaCry ransomware attack that occurred in May 2017. Here's a summary of the incident:

WannaCry Ransomware Attack (May 2017)

On May 12, 2017, a global cyberattack known as WannaCry (also referred to as WannaCrypt) began spreading rapidly across the world, infecting over 200,000 computers in more than 150 countries. The attack was attributed to a group of hackers, believed to be North Korean, who used a vulnerability in the Windows operating system to spread the malware.

How it worked

The attack exploited a vulnerability in the Windows SMBv1 protocol, which was patched by Microsoft in March 2017. However, many systems remained unpatched, making them vulnerable to the attack. The malware, known as WannaCry, spread quickly through networks, encrypting files and demanding a ransom payment in Bitcoin to restore access.

Impact

The attack had a significant impact on various organizations and individuals, including:

  1. Healthcare: The National Health Service (NHS) in the UK was severely affected, with over 80 hospitals and clinics forced to shut down their IT systems.
  2. Businesses: Many companies, including FedEx, Renault, and Telefónica, were affected, with some reporting significant disruptions to their operations.
  3. Government agencies: The attack also affected government agencies, including the Russian Interior Ministry and the Spanish Ministry of Finance.
  4. Individuals: Thousands of individuals were affected, with many reporting losses of personal data and financial information.

Response

The response to the attack was swift, with:

  1. Microsoft: Releasing a patch for the vulnerability in March 2017, which many systems had not yet applied.
  2. Security researchers: Developing tools to help contain and mitigate the attack.
  3. Law enforcement: Launching investigations to identify and prosecute those responsible.
  4. Governments: Issuing warnings and advisories to citizens and organizations.

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 better international cooperation in responding to cyberattacks.

In the aftermath of the attack, the UK government launched an investigation into the attack, and the US Department of Justice charged a North Korean hacker with involvement in the attack. The attack also led to increased scrutiny of North Korea's cyber capabilities and its potential use of cyberattacks as a tool of state-sponsored terrorism.