Fewer ransomware attacks reported Monday

May 15 (UPI) -- Ransomware attacks targeting hundreds of businesses and government organizations across the globe slowed Monday, representatives of the entities said.

Organizations, governments and corporations worked through the weekend to contain the WannaCry malware that spread through computers in at least 150 countries. The ransomware began taking control of computer systems Friday, demanding $300 per computer to restore access. Britain's National Health Service reported that seven of 47 trusts -- hospitals serving particular areas or with particular specialties -- struck by the ransomware still face computer problems.

Others targeted include Germany's rail network Deutsche Bahn, the Russian Interior Ministry, Spain's Telefonica telecommunications provider, one Renault car plant in France and global parcel shipper UPS.

By Monday, the number of reports of locked computers lessened after law enforcement agencies mobilized to find those who released the malware. A significant slowing of the problem was reported in Asia. Nine cases were reported in South Korea, and records in two Indonesian hospitals were blocked. While hundreds of thousands of computers were hit Friday in China, that number has been reduced; some Chinese government agencies reported their operations were affected on Monday.

Three small companies in Australia reported an inability to unlock their computers.

"Fewer than 10" companies were affected Monday in France, the French cybersecurity agency ANSII reported.