New computer virus spreads from Ukraine to disrupt world business

Technicians work on a flight timetable for the airport's site at the capital's main airport, Boryspil, outside Kiev, Ukraine, June 27, 2017. REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko

FRANKFURT/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A computer virus wreaked havoc on firms around the globe on Wednesday as it spread to more than 60 countries, disrupting ports from Mumbai to Los Angeles and halting work at a chocolate factory in Australia.

Risk-modeling firm Cyence said economic losses from this week's attack and one last month from a virus dubbed WannaCry would likely total $8 billion. That estimate highlights the steep tolls businesses around the globe face from growth in cyber attacks that knock critical computer networks offline.