Ethical Implications of WannaCry: A Cybersecurity Dilemma

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.34190/iccws.20.1.3353

Keywords:

Cyber security, Ethics, zero trust, Vulnerabilities

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 a 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.

Author Biographies

Jude Osamor, GCU

Dr. Jude Osamor is a dedicated researcher and academic specializing in Cybersecurity. His research focuses on security operations, digital forensics, and malware analysis, and he has contributed to various publications and conferences through his industry and academic affiliations. Passionate about innovation, he explores emerging cybersecurity challenges while mentoring aspiring scholars and collaborating on cutting-edge research projects.

Jane Odum, University of Georgia, United States of America

Jane Odum is a passionate computer scientist and Ph.D. candidate at the University of Georgia, specializing in scalable multi-robot systems and AI-driven robotics. With expertise in C++, Python, and machine learning, she mentors aspiring technologists and advocates for women in tech. She has received multiple awards for innovation, leadership, and research.

Celestine Iwendi, University of Bolton, UK

Celestine Iwendi is an IEEE Brand Ambassador, Professor of Artificial Intelligence, and Head of the Centre of Intelligence of Things (CIoTh) at the University of Greater Manchester, Bolton, UK. With a PhD in Electronics Engineering and 25+ years of expertise in AI, ML, IoT, and wireless sensor networks, he is globally recognized, featured in Elsevier’s Top 2% Scientists list, and a Royal Academy of Engineering Exceptional Talent awardee. A Visiting Professor at five universities, he is the IEEE ComSoc Distinguished Lecturer, and an Ambassador in the Manchester Conference Ambassador Programme.

Funminiyi Olajide, University of Westminster

Dr. Funminiyi Olajide, PhD, specializes in cybersecurity, digital forensics, and cybercrime management. A Senior Fellow (SFHEA-UK) and Fellow (FBCS-UK), he combines technical expertise with leadership in IT, banking operations, and audit. His research spans malware analysis, cloud security, and risk management, contributing significantly to education, research, and industry practices in cybersecurity and digital forensics.

Isaac Peter-Osamor, university of Lagos

Peter-Osamor Isaac C. is a versatile fullstack software developer and tech content creator with a passion for innovation. Specializing in mobile app development, he has deployed numerous live solutions, including telecommunication, blockchain, and e-commerce apps. Known for his engaging and humorous tech storytelling on TikTok, he continues to inspire and educate through his creative projects and content.

Victor Onyenagubom, Teeside University

Victor is a Cybersecurity Lecturer at Teesside University, teaching master's courses on Data Security, Information Governance, and IT Ethics. A frequent speaker at tech conferences, he specializes in cloud and AI-driven cybersecurity. As a Lead IT Trainer with CodeYourFuture, he empowers refugees and consults on cybersecurity for charities with CybAid.

 

Innocent Ayodele

Innocent Ayodele is a Cybersecurity Engineer and AR Security Researcher specializing in Augmented Reality (AR) and Digital Security. He holds a Master’s in Cyber Security from the University of Hertfordshire and has contributed to academic publications and industry conferences. His recent research on keypad input interception in an AR environment, presented at London Metropolitan University, leveraged MediaPipe and OpenCV to explore hand tracking vulnerabilities and input safety. A member of (ISC)², he is passionate about emerging cybersecurity challenges, mentorship, and innovation, ensuring next-generation technologies remain secure against evolving threats.

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Published

2025-03-24

Issue

Vol. 20 No. 1 (2025): Proceedings of the 20th International Conference on Cyber Warfare and Security (ICCWS 2025)

Section

Academic Papers

License

Copyright (c) 2025 Jude Osamor, Jane Odum, Celestine Iwendi, Funminiyi Olajide, Isaac Peter-Osamor, Victor Onyenagubom, Innocent Ayodele

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.