Beware of ‘Wannacry’ ransomware
Manama : Banking and the healthcare industry are the most targeted sectors by hackers and cyber criminals, according to IT and cyber-security expert Sari Mashal.
The ‘Wannacry’ ransomware that has reached over 150 countries has made headlines all over the world. The malware takes over the victim’s computer so that the hackers can demand a ransom payment. The victims are asked to pay $600 in order to restore access. The ransomware is sent as an email attachment and users are prompted to download it.
According to Sari Mashal, the virus mostly targets organizations with sensitive data.
“Banks and hospitals are obvious targets because they have a lot of sensitive data. The amount that is being asked is nothing compared to the value of data they posses. The ransomware will also target big companies and large corperations that would have sensitive data. The more sensitive data you possess the more you have to lose and so the more likely you are to pay. For example, for someone who doesn’t have much important data on their computer, it won’t be much of a problem they can just wipe the hard drive and reinstall the operating system. It would only be an inconvenience,” he said.
He said that installing an antivirus software and taking back up of the data on the computer are necessary precautionary steps to be taken.
“Every computer needs to have a reliable antivirus software, it will notify the users of viruses. Users should also consider backing up their data on a separate location,” he said, adding that the infected email is likely to have reached all over Bahrain by now.
“I have received the malware containing email on both my email accounts. Since I had my antivirus installed, it told me that it was a virus containing document. The email has been sent all over the world and Bahrain is not an exception. However, I have not heard of anyone in Bahrain has fallen victim to the virus,” he said.
“The email that they have sent is elegantly written and is persuasive. Someone who does not have an antivirus to tell him about the threat may open it,” he added.
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