Interpol discusses mitigating strategies for affected countries of WannaCry ransomware attack

In the wake of the international WannaCry ransomware attack, the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) recently hosted a virtual conference with officials from affected countries to discuss mitigating actions to be taken.

The malicious software has reportedly infected more than 200,000 computer systems across multiple nations, forcing users to pay the equivalent of $300 in the cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, before users regain access to their files.

In the days since Interpol became aware of the attacks, the organization has provided member countries with an outline of key malware features and mitigating actions to be taken via an Interpol Purple Notice.

Interpol has also been collecting and analyzing information from affected member countries for examination by a critical incident cell at the Interpol Global Complex for Innovation’s Cyber Fusion Centre in Singapore.

“We are still in the early stages of this globally significant, complex international investigation,” Interpol Secretary General Jürgen Stock said. “It is essential the full scale and scope of the attack is established if we are to assist member countries deliver an effective response, and put measures in place to prevent future cyberattacks against critical infrastructures.”

A second Purple Notice containing additional details on the WannaCry malware has recently been sent out to all National Crime Bureaus for dissemination to national specialized cyber units.