Be cautious in your online activities. This has been the warning coming from the Minister of Telecommunications, Ms Cathy Hughes in lights of an ongoing cyber attack.
In fact Guyana National Cybersecurity Incident Response Team (GNCIRT) has confirmed that a global ransomware attack is currently in progress. The self-spreading ransomware, known as ‘Wanna Cry’ or ‘Wanna Decryptor’, exploits a vulnerability in Microsoft’s Windows operating system. It is believed that this ransomware is spread through phishing emails, malicious adverts on websites, and questionable apps and programmes.
IT Leaders are advised to inform their users to be extremely cautious in their online activities. Network or system administrators are strongly advised to apply the latest Microsoft patch to all computer systems (please see Microsoft’s Security Bulletin MS17-010).
In the event that a computer becomes infected with the ‘Wanna Cry’ ransomware, it has been recommended that the following steps be taken: Disconnect and quarantine the infected system by removing it from your network; Do NOT pay the ransom; Immediately inform GNCIRT.
For further information and support, Minister Hughes has advised that persons contact GNCIRT at 231-8820 ext. 221 or 222; or [email protected]. We are currently notifying all Government IT Leaders and the public; and are actively monitoring the situation. Future updates will be provided as more information becomes available.