Last weekend, and into this work week, computer systems around the world fell victim to the WannaCry ransomeware attack. The attackers, who go by the name Shadow Brokers encrypted files on computers running Microsoft operating systems, telling users they could only get their data back by paying a ransom in bitcoin.
Digital savant Omar Gallaga of the Austin American-Statesman’s 512 Tech says U.S. computer users got off relatively easy, because most use newer operating systems that have been patched to protect against attacks like WannaCry. In countries like Russia, where much Microsoft software is pirated, the attack caused greater damage.
What you’ll hear in this segment:
– How the NSA was responsible for WannaCry
– What Microsoft did and didn’t do to reduce the damage
– What you can do to protect your computer and your data