Cyber-attack: More than 125,000 computers are down… 5 ways to protect yours

A massive cyber-attack using tools believed to have been stolen from the US National Security Agency (NSA) struck organisations around the world this week.

The cyber-security firm Avast said it had seen 75,000 cases of the ransomware – known as WannaCry and variants of that name – around the world.

More than 125,000 computers have been infected across 99 countries, including Russia and China.

Ransomware is a computer virus that installs discreetly on a victim’s device, holding his data hostage until ransom, which is usually in crypto-currency, is paid. It is cyber-kidnapping.

On Saturday, a top government official told TheCable that Nigeria is on the alert, regarding the issue.

Subsequently, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) listed some guidelines on how Nigerians can protect their computers from being affected by ransomware.

Below are general precautionary measures listed by the agency:

• Regularly update your operating systems with the latest patches.

• Regularly update your software applications with latest patches.

• Avoid downloading and opening unsolicited files and attachments.

• Adjust security software to scan compressed or archived files

• Avoid indiscriminate use of wireless connections, such as bluetooth or infrared ports.

The agency also listed corrective measures to include:

• Remove the system from Network.

• Do not use flash/pen drive, external drives on the System to copy files to other systems.

• Format the system completely and get fresh OS copy installed.

NITDA asked those in need of emergency assistance to contact the agency’s computer emergency readiness and response team (CERRT) on: 800-9988-7766- 5544 or e-mail: [email protected].