Thursday, March 28, 2024 | Ramadan 17, 1445 H
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EDITOR IN CHIEF- ABDULLAH BIN SALIM AL SHUEILI

Sultanate geared to control technology crisis

Bader Al Kiyumi
Bader Al Kiyumi
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BADER AL KIYUMI - baderalkiyumi@hotmail.com - Recently, the world woke up to malicious computer virus termed as ransomware. Hackers launched the virus which penetrated smartphones and laptops.


According to reports, the ransomware, called ‘WannaCry’, had infected 57,000 computers in 150 countries, with Russia, Ukraine and Taiwan being the top targets. The attacks were carried out by some groups who do not belong to any government but probably work as hackers.


The virus blocked access to the victim’s data and threatened to publish or delete until a ransom is paid.


A large number of institutions and establishments around the world have been hit by the virus.


The virus requests the users to open certain links or download files. Through these operations, the virus encrypts the important data in the device or encrypts the entire device.


As a result, users cannot access their data and receive messages which request them to pay a ransom.


Experts rate the virus as one of the most dangerous viruses to hit the computer network. This is because it works differently and hits the devices in a very difficult way without raising awareness.


The Sultanate was geared to control the technology crisis.


During the recent attack, the Oman’s National Computer Emergency Readiness Team (OCERT) played vital role in advising institutions and public about the computer virus.


Government and educational institutions also warned people about the computer virus amid reports of its attack on the their computer


systems.


These government institutions were transparent and provided instructions on how to deal with such a crisis.


The attack was reported first on a Friday when most of the institutions were closed. OCERT used social media to create awareness among the people.


Some institutions sent e-mails and SMS to their staff during the weekend to be careful when they open their computers including e-mails and requested not to download files.


OCERT did a commendable job in controlling this crisis as only one establishment was affected.


OCERT requested institutions to maintain up-to-date anti-virus software and emphasise awareness among the employees on the importance of using anti-virus to scan attachments and files before download or execution.


Also, the centre works on penetration tests with different institutions to ensure their technology was effective on security aspects.


The anti-virus software cannot protect individuals or institutions, but the concerned authorities need to improve the awareness of the user’s attitude in handling such situations.


Ministries and establishments also urged the employees to take the warning notices from the competent sources seriously.


There must also be a need to regularly update security software.


Moreover, it is necessary to have pre-usage trials for any electronic services.


IT experts say there is no need to panic but one should keep in mind that the attack is on one of the most widely used operating systems. Therefore, anyone can be at risk.


All users have also been requested to update their anti-virus periodically and ensure even the latest software is updated and configured properly.


Upon infection it is recommended that the infected machine be isolated from the network, where possible, to prevent the virus from spreading.


I appreciate the readiness to tackle such similar crisis and also the need to take extra care with configuration and not just follow the default settings.


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