Symantec views Petya as more 'destructive' than other ransomware attacks

The latest ransomware attack to hit Europe and the United States is more “targeted” and “destructive” than other recent attacks, said Symantec Director of Governmental Affairs William Wright in a presentation to government advisers.

Wright said the Petya attack that originated this week in Ukraine, and extended throughout Europe and targeted the United States, reflects a year-long trend of increased ransomware attacks, but is different in its ability to spread within a network and destructive nature.

“This was not financially...