(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) Muscat- The Information Technology Authority (ITA) has alerted all government and private sector establishments against the spread of ransomware (computer virus) Locky, which is affecting computer systems around the world.
After WannaCry and Petya, cybercriminals are now spreading an email-based Locky ransomware.
Although Locky ransomware has been active since last year, this time around it is back with its new variant. Cybercriminals are demanding payments in cryptocurrency bitcoin like they did in WannaCry.
The authority called for implementation of all recommendations and security guidelines issued by ITA.
The authority added that it is monitoring the development of the ransomware and till date no infection has been reported to it from the sultanate.
Oman National CERT (Ocert) stated that Locky ransomware is spread through emails from unknown senders and it includes attachments with extension of (7z, vbs) that contains a virus.
Once the attachment is downloaded, the virus will affect the machine and encrypt the files and the files will not be decrypted unless a ransom is paid.
The affected operating systems include Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, Windows 2008, Windows 10, Ocert stated, adding that currently there is no decryption tool or any other solution available.
Some of the ways to protect your PC from ransomware include backing up your files, using an antivirus programme, being suspicious of unknown emails and websites, and performing regular backups of all critical data stored on your computer.
Any suspicious activity can be reported to or on the hotline number 24166828.
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