Reuters: New computer virus spreads from Ukraine to disrupt world business
A cyber attack wreaked havoc around the globe on Wednesday, crippling thousands of computers, disrupting operations at ports from Mumbai to Los Angeles and halting production at a chocolate factory in Australia.
The virus is believed to have first taken hold on Tuesday in Ukraine where it silently infected computers after users downloaded a popular tax accounting package or visited a local news site, national police and international cyber experts said.
The malicious code locked machines and demanded victims post a ransom worth $300 in bitcoins or lose their data entirely, similar to the extortion tactic used in the global WannaCry ransomware attack in May.
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MIDDLE EAST
Iraqi military says it has retaken two Mosul neighborhoods from Islamic State.
Syria war: 'Cluster bombs' dropped on IS-held village.
Raqqa: Monitoring groups sound alarm over civilian death toll as Islamic State fight heats up.
Turkish military 'returns fire' at Kurdish YPG forces.
Mattis: US arms for Syrian Kurds will continue after Raqqa. Mattis says Syria’s government taking US threat seriously.
Mattis says Syria's government taking US threat seriously.
Qatar condemns Saudi refusal to negotiate over demands. UAE envoy: Gulf states considering new Qatar sanctions.
Hamas creates no-go security zone on border with Egypt.
ASIA
Philippines says beheaded civilians found in rebel-held town. Decomposed bodies retrieved by military in Marawi City.
Kim Jong-un vows 'a miserable dog's death' for South Korea's former president over an alleged plot to assassinate the dictator.
Defector: North Korea procures Russian oil through contacts in Singapore.
China, South Korea likely to hold talks at G20 amid strained ties over missile shield, says diplomat.
South Korea escalating weapons buildup near North Korea maritime border.
Moon departs for US-South Korea summit with Trump.
#NotInMyName: Indians protest against 'beef lynching'.
AFRICA
At least 24 migrants die as thousands rescued in seas off Libya.
Libya remains the main source of destabilization of the Sahel countries: a report.
Hundreds of fighters from Chad, Darfur feeding off Libya's turmoil: report.
Cholera kills more than 60 people in South Sudan.
South Sudan armed opposition rules out national dialogue participation.
Witnesses in Somalia report sinking ship after explosion.
Ethiopia asks for extension of Saudi amnesty deadline.
EUROPE
'Patience is running out': pressure on Turkey and Greece as Cyprus talks open. Security tops agenda as Cyprus peace talks resume.
The Latest: London police raise Grenfell fire toll to 80.
Serbia’s next premier: EU membership, modernization priority.
Germany to vote on same-sex marriage after Merkel drops opposition.
French general accused of borrowing military jet for weekend trips.
Portugal seeks culprits for wildfire that killed 64.
Pope Francis: Suicide bombers are not 'martyrs'.
FIFA: Prince William, ex-British PM David Cameron named in corruption report into World Cup bids.
AMERICAS
Venezuela: Helicopter strafes court in ‘terrorist attack’.
GOP ‘Obamacare’ repeal teeters after Senate shelves vote.
US lawmakers wary of Trump escalation in Syria.
Gingrich: Congress has 'obligation' to call Obama to testify on Russia.
Colombia anti-corruption chief arrested on US charges.
Rising violence takes huge psychological toll in Rio favelas.
Son of parents exposed as Russian spies has Canadian citizenship restored.
FBI find car linked to kidnapped Chinese student Yingying Zhang.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Anti-terror raids in Spain, Germany and the UK.
Trump, Modi call on Pakistan to stem terrorist attacks.
US to seek more security on international flights.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Wave of new cyberattacks spreads, hitting multinationals.
IMF reduces U.S. outlook because of policy uncertainties.
Japan, EU narrow differences over free trade agreement.
