NSC releases advisory to ministries on WannaCry ransomware

PETALING JAYA: The National Security Council (NSC) has released an alert and advisory to all ministries on the WannaCry ransomware, in light of the global attack that has affected over 200,000 Windows systems.
The advisory, which was issued by NSC director-general Datuk Zahari Alias and dated May 13, listed out several measures that should be taken by all the ministries and government agencies, warning that their devices too are susceptible to attacks.
“You are requested to circulate this advisory to all agencies under your ministry to undertake the required preventive measures immediately,” he said.
Among the precautionary steps listed under the advisory include:
» Patching Windows Operating System with the MS17-010 Microsoft Security bulletin provided by Microsoft;
» Patching computers with the latest windows security updates;
» Backing up important files and data to an external drive;
» Updating computers with antivirus that has the latest anti-malware signatures;
» Avoiding clicking on any links or attachments received from unsolicited emails;
» Avoiding paying ransom to the perpetrators;
» Ensuring organisation is running an actively supported operated system that receives security updates;
» Implementing a disaster recovery plan that includes backing up and restoring data from devices that are kept offline; and
» Reporting to NSC’s National Cyber Coordination and Command Centre (NC4) for incidents related to the attack.
theSun on Tuesday reported that at least 10 devices in the country have been affected by the WannaCry ransomware over the weekend, according to an IT security service provided by LGMS founder Fong Choong Fook.
The victims include those from the financial sector and public-listed companies, including a government-linked company, an insurance company and an investment firm.
The ransomware works by encrypting files on target computers before demanding a ransom paid in the crypto-currency Bitcoin amounting from US$300 (RM1,298).