Once a user`s computer is infected with malware, it will be locked to death. (daily Mail photo)
According to the Telegraph and Messenger Mail, a malicious lock-up software spread around the world on Friday. Earlier reports said tens of thousands of computers had been affected in 74 countries. Australia`s federal government says the country`s institutions are not affected.
It was known to be a malicious blackmail software, developed by the National Security Agency (NSA) (National Security Agency (NSA) and later stolen by a hacker group called Shadow Brokers. The software is generally transmitted via e-mail. Once a user clicks on a link or attachment to the email, the computer will be infected and its system, hard drive, and file will be locked. Users will be asked to pay up to $300 worth of bitcoin to recover computer data.
British hospitals were the first to be attacked on Friday. The software was quickly disseminated around the world, and big companies such as the Russian government, German subway and FedEx were not spared. The affected countries also include Turkey, Vietnam, the Philippines and Japan.
Once a user`s computer is infected with malware, it will be locked to death. (daily Mail photo)
U. S. cyber security agencies point out that Australia is also one of the affected countries.
But a spokesman for the Tam Pao government said it had not received reports from Australian agencies that it had been affected. He said the government is keeping a close eye on developments. McGibbon (Alistair MacGibbon), the prime minister`s special adviser on cybersecurity, is also working with the Australian Center for Cyber Security and medical institutions to see if they have been affected. The government attaches great importance to the cyber security incident and will continue to keep a close watch on developments and be prepared to attribute any cybersecurity issues that threaten Australia`s vital infrastructure.
