Major extortion cyberattack hits dozens of nations holding data of firms for ransom in UK, Spain, Portugal and Russia

A major extortion cyberattack shocked dozens of nations on Friday holding computer data for ransom at hospitals, telecommunications firms and other companies.

The attack appeared to exploit a vulnerability purportedly identified for use by the US National Security Agency and later leaked to the internet.

The attack hit Britain’s health service, forcing affected hospitals to close wards and emergency rooms. Related attacks were reported in Spain, Portugal and Russia. Two security firms Kaspersky Lab and Avastsaid they had identified the malware behind the attack in upward of 70 countries, although both said the attack has hit Russia hardest.

Source: News Nation