Dubai: You may not have been a victim of the latest ransomware attack that has rattled multinational companies across the world. However, the UAE’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) on Wednesday advised computer and internet users to be aware of the updated version of ‘Petya’, a ransomware which hit last year.
Australia and India hit as cyberattack spreads across globe
Information technology experts identified the virus as ‘Petrwrap’, which started spreading globally on Tuesday and breached thousands of computers and servers around the world.
The TRA Computer Emergency Response Team (aeCERT) announced that there hasn’t been any reported cases of breach by this virus in the UAE.
But users should be cautious. The breach disabled, encrypted, and locked users from accessing their computers without paying a sum of Bitcoin. That is when a group of hackers developed a new version of the ransomware ‘Petya’ by exploiting the same gap in the operating system Windows, named ExyernalBlue in the SMBv1 protocol, the TRA said in a statement.
The virus restarts the victim’s device, encrypts the Master File Table, and exchanges the Master Boot Record with a series of malicious software instructions that shut down the device.
To avoid exposure to the virus, the TRA advises individuals to follow these steps:
Always keep a backup copy
Avoid opening links and files from an unknown source;
Use the original anti-virus programmes;
Update the software of your phone and computer constantly; and
Avoid surfing untrusted sites.
In case of exposure to the virus, the TRA advises the individuals to do the following:
Do not obey hackers, there is no guarantee that paying the ransom will lead to the decryption of the files;
If the attacked device is the company’s computer, inform the Information Technology Department immediately;
If the attacked device is your personal laptop, take it to the authorised agent;
Don’t open any untrusted emails; and
Update the software of all your personal devices.
Concerning the IT specialists, please visit (aeCERT) advisories page.
The TRA said the virus changes its signature constantly, so residents are advised to follow the authority’s social media channels for updates — Facebook TheUAETRA, Instagram TheUAETRA, Twitter @THEUAETRA) or TRA website www.TRA.gov.ae.
