RANSOMWARE: HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF
The virus was able to infect many systems on Friday because some users didn't install the latest security update, leaving computers vulnerable for any attack. It takes just one click on an infected link or email attachment to have the virus spread to other computers within the network.
"As cybercriminals become more sophisticated, there is simply no way for customers to protect themselves against threats unless they update their systems. Otherwise they’re literally fighting the problems of the present with tools from the past," Smith said.
However, the harshest criticism was left for the NSA, who had the software that was responsible for the cyberattack stolen. Though the theft was publicly reported in April, Smith attacked the NSA for "hoarding these vulnerabilities" and failing to inform the tech giant and the public about the stolen malware beforehand.
"Exploits in the hands of governments have leaked into the public domain and caused widespread damage. An equivalent scenario with conventional weapons would be the U.S. military having some of its Tomahawk missiles stolen," Smith said.
