Ethical Implications of WannaCry: A Cybersecurity Dilemma

Abstract

The WannaCry ransomware attack of May 2017 marked a critical turning point in cybersecurity history, prompting profound ethical discussions about software vulnerability management. This comprehensive analysis examines the ethical dimensions of the WannaCry incident, focusing on the responsibilities of government agencies, technology companies, and security professionals in handling zero-day vulnerabilities. The study investigates the complex balance between national security interests and global cybersecurity while proposing ethical frameworks for future practice. Through detailed examination of the attack's global impact and subsequent incidents, we demonstrate the ongoing relevance of lessons learned from WannaCry to contemporary cybersecurity challenges