Cyber attack hero ‘fears more for privacy than safety

Cyber attack hero ‘fears more for privacy than personal safety’

The British IT expert discovered the WannaCry virus’s kill switch.

The British IT expert credited with slowing the spread of the global cyber attack has claimed he is more concerned for his privacy than his safety.



The security researcher, named in reports as Marcus Hutchins, was hailed an “accidental hero” for his discovery of the WannaCry virus’s kill switch.



Despite saying he feared a “terrible” retribution for his efforts, the 22-year-old clarified that he wished to be left to carry out his business in peace.

An international operation is under way to find the perpetrators behind the unprecedented attack which has infected 200,000 machines in 150 countries since Friday.



Speaking to MailOnline, the cyber specialist, known as MalwareTech, said: “In future someone might want to retaliate – they could find my identity within seconds.



“If they know where I live, they could really do anything.”


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MalwareTech @malwaretechblog

For the record I don't "fear for my safety", I'm just unhappy with trying to help clear up Friday's mess with the dorbell going constantly.


1:36 AM - 15 May 2017

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But on Monday, he tweeted: “For the record I don’t ‘fear for my safety’, I’m just unhappy with trying to help clear up Friday’s mess with the doorbell going constantly.”



In his interview, MalwareTech referred to the case of another security blogger who was subject to intimidation, including death threats, after his identity was leaked online.



“I’ve seen posts about the terrible things people have done to him and for me in future it could be the same things,” MalwareTech said.




For the record DailyMail didn't find my name / location, they are only printing what was already printed by another paper.


1:59 AM - 15 May 2017

20 20 Retweets 130 130 likes

Writing on his Twitter account, he said journalists had already tracked down a friend, whose photograph was published in the press and turned up at her house. He said: “Please if you want an interview that badly, DM me.”



On Monday, he added: “Current Policy: if you turn up at my house you’re crossed off the list of potential media outlets I will do an exclusive with.”


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