Although Microsoft ended its support for Windows XP three years ago, it has issued a rare update to defend computers against WannaCrypt attacks. Ransomware based on leaked NSA hacking tools has been spreading around the world, affecting thousands of unpatched systems.
The security hole exploited by this piece of ransomware was patched for most systems in March. At the time, however, Windows XP and some other versions were left without a fix.
WannaCrypt has been targeting pre-Windows 10 operating systems that remain vulnerable to infection. One of the major victims so far was the UK’s National Health Service.
