The massive cyber attack on Friday that crippled many Spanish businesses and 16 regional health authorities in Britain’s NHS is much bigger than first thought, and goes beyond Europe.

Axar.az reports citing Euronews.

One internet analysis company reported over 45,000 attacks in more than 70 countries, all using “ransomware” that locks computer users out of their machines unless they pay up as the problem mushroomed around the world.

“This was not targeted at the NHS, it’s an international attack. A number of countries and organisations have been affected. The National Cyber Security Centre is working closely with NHS digital to ensure that they support the organisations concerned and that they protect patients’ safety. And we’re not aware of any evidence that patient data has been compromised,” said British Prime Minister Theresa May.

At Spain’s Telefonica, one of Europe’s biggest companies, workers were told to turn off their computers and cut the internet before being told to go home as work was impossible. Several other firms were badly affected.

At Spain’s Telefonica, one of Europe’s biggest companies, workers were told to turn off their computers and cut the internet before being told to go home as work was impossible. Several other firms were badly affected.