WannaCry Ransomware Attack Illustrates Need for Evolution in Cybersecurity Norms

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, say Center for Cybersecurity co-founder Zachary Goldman and Professor Damon McCoy.