1. ✅ What Happened
In May 2017, the WannaCry ransomware outbreak infected over 300,000 computers across 150 countries in just a few days. Hospitals in the UK, factories in Europe, rail systems in Germany, and corporations worldwide were locked out of critical systems. Victims saw a black screen demanding Bitcoin payments — or their data would be lost forever.
2. 🛠️ Technical Challenge
WannaCry used a wormable exploit known as EternalBlue, originally developed by the NSA and later leaked. It took advantage of an unpatched Windows vulnerability to spread like wildfire — with no human interaction needed. The malware encrypted files and blocked access, essentially paralyzing entire organizations.
3. 🧩 How It Was Resolved
A cybersecurity researcher accidentally discovered a kill switch domain hardcoded into WannaCry’s code. Registering the domain effectively stopped the spread. Still, recovery was expensive — with billions in global losses. The attack exposed how critical infrastructure and health systems were dangerously unprepared.
4. 🛡️ What SMBs Can Learn and Do
- 🔄 Always apply critical security patches. WannaCry hit unpatched systems despite updates being available.
- 🧩 Have backups — offline and offsite. Ransomware can’t hurt what it can’t reach.
- 🔒 Use advanced endpoint protection — not just antivirus.
- 👨🏫 Train your staff — a well-trained team reduces attack surfaces.
