WannaCry has affected thousands of computer systems by exploiting the vulnerabilities in Microsoft XP OS, troubling infrastructures and digital resources around the world. Did it affect Singapore? Is Singapore ready to deal with such global threat?
More than 2,000,000 computers around the world have been infected.
Hospitals, energy production units, major corporations and government bodies are sent into a disaster recovery mode.
This is how WannaCry has been creating the havoc since last Friday. Nearly 150 countries are targeted by this global ransomware, including India, China, Italy, Egypt and Russia.
Like other ransomware, it “locks people out of their computer files until they pay a ransom to the hackers.”
WannaCry has exploited the vulnerabilities in Windows OS to install itself in the victim’s computer and will encrypt important data.
According to Singapore Computer Emergency Response Team, the attackers capitalized on Windows vulnerability, codenamed EternalBlue, which may be leaking and dumping by a hacking group known as Shdo Brokers more than a month ago.
The ransomware is so powerful that it can spread itself over the network without requiring human interaction like clicking on a link. Once the information are encrypted, a user has to pay “ransom” to get those file unlocked. The ransom is demanded in bitcoins while the “amount may vary from case to case.”
Did WannaCry Affect Singapore?
On Sunday, CSA (Cyber Security Agency of Singapore) alarmed people due to the increasing incidents of the global ransomware in the island. However, the agency said that the critical information infrastructure is safe from the WannaCry attacks.
However, several malls in Singapore, including Tiong Bahru Plaza and White Sands have been struck by WannaCry. The electronic signboards gave the hints that the operating systems at the malls have been attacked, though there was no leaking or compromise incident has been reported yet.
How CSA is Coping up with the Situation?
The CSA has advised the people to be extra careful about malicious emails or information and has told them to remove the network cable or turn off the wireless function if they suspect the virus. It can help them to stop the virus from infecting other systems.
Besides, the agency says that each PC should have updated anti-virus software. It also suggested that Windows users should get their systems fully patched.
The agency has recommended businesses, public members and organizations to contact CSA’s SingCERT at singcert@csa.gov.sg or their hotline at 63235052, in case they are infected.
