WannaCry Ransomware Attack Illustrates Need for Evolution in Cybersecurity Norms
- Zachary Goldman, Damon McCoy for The Hill May 22nd, 2017
- Source: http://thehill.com/blogs/pundits-blog/technology/334496-wannacry-ransomware-attack-illustrates-need-for-evolution-in
Individuals and institutions affected by the WannaCry ransomware attack face a Hobson’s choice — the malicious software (malware) encrypts a user’s documents while the decryption keys remain in the hands of the cybercriminals. Victims of the attack can either pay the hackers for the release of their files, feeding the profit motive that generates attacks like this in the first instance, or refuse to do so and permanently say goodbye to their computers.
In this instance, the WannaCry attackers generally have not decrypted files after victims sent payment, making it an easy choice not to pay.
