How Stolen NSA Tools Fueled the WannaCry Ransomware Outbreak

The Shadow Brokers released classified NSA hacking tools starting August 2016, including EternalBlue, an exploit that targeted Windows. By April 2017, broader access to the stolen archive enabled criminals to weaponize EternalBlue into WannaCry ransomware. The May 2017 attack hit 150+ countries, disrupting hospitals and critical infrastructure. The NSA has never publicly confirmed it created these tools.