Do you think cases like this will affect Bitcoin negatively in the long run?
Even though Bitcoin is not the issue in cases like this, I feel like Bitcoin gets shown in a negative light. Since these hackers are only requesting payment in BTC this is what ignorant people get attached to.
I've heard plenty of people say things like: "Oh bitcoins...aren't those only used by hackers?"
Obviously these people are in the minority and do not know what they are talking about but it seems to be what lingers with some. I also know a lot of people that invest in Bitcoins, mine them, etc.
My big fear is that the government(s) are going to start trying to become involved to help curb situations like this. Does anyone else worry about this for the long term future of Bitcoin?
The big question is...is there anything that can even been done to prevent situations like WannaCry?
The beauty of Bitcoin is that it's decentralized, but will that maybe be it's downfall too?
The solution for criminals is easy. Switch to dollars and paypal.
This is why bitcoin is better money, nobody can seize it from you without a rubber hose.
Run better operating system. Keep backups of data you care about. Don't click on or plug in I trusted links or hardware.
Microsoft has already introduced the patch to control over this foreseen problem about 4 , 5 months ago but many people still not deployed that patch. Even the multinationals were found ignorant in this respect and found the victim of this virus. The only solution to this is not to quit bitcoins but to make your anti-virus and system upgraded with latest security patches.