Cyber attack hero admits hacking

THE British computer expert who helped shut down the massive ‘WannaCry’ cyber attack on the NHS has pleaded guilty to writing malicious hacking software.

Marcus Hutchins, 24, from Ilfracombe, Devon, was hailed a hero in May 2017 when he found a ‘kill-switch’ to counter the virus that hit more than 300,000 computers. But he has now admitted two criminal charges in the US relating to the Kronos code, which was designed in 2014 to steal banking information from users of web browsers including Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Chrome.

Hutchins faces up to five years in jail and a £190,000 fine when sentenced. He said: ‘I regret these actions and accept full responsibility. Having grown up, I’ve since been using the same skills for constructive purposes.’