Cyber-attack: Europol says it was unprecedented in scale

A ransomware attack on 12 May affected approximately 75,000 computers in 99 countries, including Russia and the UK’s National Health Service, in what Europe’s police agency, Europol, described as an “unprecedented” event. The attack, which used the WannaCry malware, encrypted data on affected systems, with hackers demanding payments to restore access. Europol is investigating the situation and assisting victims. The attack appears to have slowed but is not yet over. Targets included utilities, hospitals, banks, schools and railways worldwide.