Microsoft Releases Emergency Windows XP Update to Block WannaCry Ransomware

Microsoft has published an emergency update for Windows versions that are only getting custom support in order to block the ongoing attacks with the WannaCry ransomware (flagged by Microsoft as Ransom:Win32/WannaCrypt).

Windows XP, Windows 8, and Windows Server 2003 users and can download the patch from the Microsoft Update Catalog and the software giant recommends everyone to update their systems are soon as possible given the growing number of attacks.

WannaCry infections were first spotted yesterday in Europe, with organizations in several countries, including the United Kingdom and Spain, being targeted. The British National Health System was severely hit by the ransomware, which late on Friday started spreading across the United States as well.

The infection is based on a Windows vulnerability originally owned by the NSA and which got leaked earlier this year by hacker group Shadow Brokers. Microsoft explained that Windows versions still getting support, incl...