An
expansive, fast-moving cyber-attack has disabled hospitals,
universities and communications companies across the UK, Europe and
as far as Asia. Russian-based cybersecurity firm Kaspersky Lab
reports that as many as 74 countries have been hit by the malware,
with the perpetrators demanding the equivalent of $300 to unlock
affected systems.
The Barts
Health Group, which helps manage some of the largest hospitals in
London, said, "We are experiencing a major IT disruption and
there are delays at all of our hospitals."
Patients had
to be turned away from surgeries and appointments at medical
facilities throughout England, and ambulances had to be rerouted to
other hospitals as well.
Telefonica,
one of the largest telecommunications companies in Spain, was one
target, though their services and clients were not affected, as the
malicious software only impacted certain computers on an internal
network.
The malware
used in the cyberattack has been identified as “Wanna Decryptor”
or “Wanna Cry.” This “ransomware” is designed to lock up
machines, not returning access until a ransom is paid.
Full
report:
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