A large-scale hacking operation is currently underway worldwide. The Spanish operator Telefonica, along with companies and hospitals, have all fallen victim to a similar cyber attack, installing ransomware in their IT systems. The virus, named “WanaCrypt0r 2.0”, encrypts the files of the affected computers and demands money in bitcoins to restore access to the files.
No one is theoretically spared from this type of attack. Ransomware is becoming increasingly common and is one of the most frequent types of attacks encountered in recent years.
The most concerning attack hit 16 British hospitals, forcing some to cancel appointments and close access to emergency services.
In an effort to increase the pressure, the cybercriminals have set a 6-day ultimatum for the payment of the demanded ransoms. After this deadline, the encrypted files will be permanently destroyed, with no possibility of recovery.
