By Vinod Nair — MUSCAT: May 13 - 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 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. “Upon detection of infection by this ransomware, it is recommended that the infected machine be isolated from the network, where possible, to prevent the malware from spreading.”
Tariq al Barwani, IT expert and founder of Knowledge Oman, said, “There is no need to panic but we should keep in mind the attack is on one of the most widely used operating systems. Anyone can be at risk.” He said all users should update the anti-virus periodically and ensure even the latest software is updated and configured properly. “We need to take extra care with configuration too, not just follow the default settings.”
Barwani said basic training on systems and what to download and not should be given to the all non-IT staff in an organisation.
The Ministry of Education (MoE) on Saturday warned its employees about the spread of ransomware.
In a statement, the ministry said that given the possible impact of the virus on operating systems, employees should exercise caution and follow certain procedures. They should not use USB flash drive, not install any free/ paid programmes in the coming period, not download any undefined file, not open any anonymous email, not click on any unknown links, not respond to any request for ‘ransom’ or for a special programme, not download any free software and to scan devices and update anti-virus, and update the operating system.
The MoE has urged the employees to follow up on the warning notices from the competent sources seriously.
The Ministry of Health said it will stop all internet or email transactions till there is an update of the hardware and antivirus. "All electronic systems are functioning properly and there will be no hardships to patients."
The SQU Hospital said it has intensified efforts to avoid the impact of malicious ransomware and added that the hospital services are fully functional.
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