Massive Ransomware Attack Spreading Around the World

A massive cyberattack has hit computer systems around the world, the BBC reports. 

The ransomware attack, which is believed to be a well-known strain called Petya (the updated version is called Petrwrap), was first reported in Ukraine but has quickly spread to Spain, France, Russia, and other countries. 

Coverage of the malware attack:

• Some of the affected companies and organizations include British advertising agency WPP, Ukraine's state power distributor, Kiev's main airport, the Ukrainian central bank, aircraft manufacturer Antonov, two postal services, Russian oil producer Rosneft, Danish shipping company Maersk, multinational companies including Mondelez and legal firm DLA Piper, and French construction materials company Saint-Gobain, per the BBC.
• Motherboard says that while it's not clear all the attacks are connected, so far the situation is looking similar to the beginning of the recent massive ransomware attack known as WannaCry. Ransomware works by encrypting files, then demanding money for the encryption key. Motherboard has images of the attack text, which demands $300 worth of bitcoin to get files back.

Read the full story on Newser.com

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