The cyberattacks started Friday and spread rapidly around the globe using a security flaw in Microsoft's Windows XP operating system

The cyberattacks started Friday and spread rapidly around the globe using a security flaw in Microsoft's Windows XP operating system (AFP Photo/Andrew CABALLERO-REYNOLDS)

London (AFP) - Security agencies are hunting for those behind a crippling cyberattack which has so far hit hundreds of thousands of computers worldwide, including at government agencies, factories and health services.

Here is what we know so far about the cyber ransom attacks:

- What happened? -

The cyberattacks started Friday and spread rapidly around the globe using a security flaw in Microsoft's Windows XP operating system, an older version that is no longer given mainstream tech support by the US giant.

The so-called WannaCry ransomware locks access to user files and in an on-screen message demands payment of $300 (275 euros) in the virtual currency Bitcoin in order to decrypt the files.

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