How the ransomware that took down computers across the world was 'stopped' for just Rs 686 ?

BY AGENCIES | UPDATED: MAY 13, 2017, 07.03 PM IST

The ransomware that took down over 100,000 computers across the world would have done extensive damage but for a 22-year-old cyber security analyst who accidentally 'shut it down'. 

According to reports, the analyst stopped WannaCry ransomware's spread by spending just Rs 686 to accidentally register a domain name hidden in the malware. 

It was during this he stumbled on a kill switch for the ransomware. The hackers built the kill switch, but, the reports say, did not register the site. The analyst's registration activated the site and slowed the spread. 

The attack, however, had by that time infected tens of thousands of computers. The extent of any damage may only be known by Monday. 

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