Hackers ‘prepare to unleash a cyber-weapon primed for second web attack’ just days after ransomware assault on NHS
HACKERS are preparing to unleash another potentially global web assault using a second cyber-weapon stolen from US spies, it has been claimed.
Another secret hacking programme developed by the National Security Agency has been leaked onto the "dark web" — where criminals trade in the shadows of the conventional internet.
Codenamed "Esteem Audit", the tool has the potential to perform a similar if not more crippling attack to the WannaCry ransomware that brought down NHS computers over the weekend.
It too can spread like wildfire across Windows systems, which are particularly vulnerable to the sophisticated viruses, according to the Financial Times.
Esteem Audit is among at least a dozen NSA-based tools being discussed on criminal hacking forums as a basis for another imminent cyber attack, analysts told the paper.
Over 200,000 computer systems were affected worldwide in the ransomware attack which reached Britain on Friday.
It was one of several new ";strains" of the virus that are being developed and spread over the world.
Workers were yesterday warned to be vigilant over fears the attack could reignite as office computers were switched back on after the weekend.
The “unprecedented” assault attacked NHS systems, leading to appointment cancellations and patients being asked to treat the health service sparingly while IT operations were nursed back to health.
But there was relief as the worst of the attack appeared to have passed by Monday.
Ransomware infects computers, blocking access to files and demanding a $300 (£230) payment to unlock them again.
Claims emerged yesterday that the crisis may have been sparked by just one NHS employee opening a single email attachment.
Security Minister Ben Wallace told ITV's Good Morning Britain that a dodgy email was the likeliest scenario.
Microsoft lay blame at the feet of US and other government spy agencies from where viruses can be stolen and adapted for criminal gain.
“We need governments to consider the damage to civilians that comes from hoarding these vulnerabilities and the use of these exploits", Brad Smith, Microsoft’s chief legal officer said.
Vladimir Putin, who was at first suspected of being behind the attack, said: "Microsoft said it directly —the initial source is the US's security agencies. Russia has got absolutely nothing to do with it."
Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at tips@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4368