SOARING SUPPORT
Oman’s National Computer Emergency Readiness Team (OCERT) and some government and educational institutions have warned people about a malicious computer virus amid reports of its attack on the systems in the Sultanate.
The Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) said its electronics systems have been shut down to protect data and it was analysing the possible attacks on some of its devices.
According to reports, the ransomware, called ‘WannaCry’, had infected 57,000 computers in 99 countries on Friday, with Russia, Ukraine, and Taiwan being the top targets.
WannaCry is a ransomware that locks up files on your computer and encrypts them in a way that you cannot access them anymore. It targets the widely used Windows operating system. When a system is infected, a pop-up appears Sultan Qaboos University shuts electronic systems to protect data ‘WANNACRY’ has infected around 57,000 computer systems in 99 countries on Friday, with Russia, Ukraine, and Taiwan being the top targets
Affected operating systems are Microsoft Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 10
All cyber security incidents in Oman should be reported at ocert999@ ita.gov.om or 24166828
The Ministry of Education (MoE) warns its employees about the spread of ransomware with instructions on how to pay a ransom of $300.
OCERT, an initiative launched to address the cyber security risks, said its team was working with specialists and various stakeholders since early hours. “The team is analysing damages because of the possible virus attack on operating systems in Oman and taking proactive steps to avoid its spread to other institutions.”
OCERT said the affected operating systems are Microsoft Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 10. All cyber security incidents in Oman should be reported at ocert999@ ita.gov.om or on hotline 24166828.
It said currently there is “no WannaCry decryption tool” or any other solution available, so users have been strongly advised to follow prevention measures in order to protect themselves.