A large number of computers running pirated versions of Windows in China
and Russia probably contributed to the cyberattack’s spread, according to the Finnish cybersecurity company F-Secure.
“Most of the schools are now all using pirate software, including operation system
and professional software,” he said, adding: “In China, the Windows that most people are using is still pirated.
When a company-provided software patch did not work, the employee was told to use one from Qihoo 360, which supports pirated
and out-of-date versions of Windows, the person said.