Government guards against ransomware attacks
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The OGCIO has thus far not received any security incident reports from government departments on WannaCry. All government information systems are operating as usual. The Government Computer Emergency Response Team will continue to work closely with the computer emergency response teams of other places to exchange cyber security threat information.
The Government's multi-layered cyber security systems recently detected the attempted intrusion of a malicious software into its information systems. Over 10,000 suspicious mails had been sent to government accounts and around 100 of them were delivered to users' mailboxes. The OGCIO took immediate action and confirmed that this malicious software was the ransomware Jaff that was spreading on the Internet. This malicious software does not make an active attack on other computers. The operation of the Government's information systems has not been affected.
Cyber security experts warned the public of a new wave of ransomware virus attacks to spread ransomware through junk mails. A spokesman for the OGCIO reminded the public that they should always stay vigilant against the ever-changing ransomwares. To protect their computers from ransomware threats they should back up data, update software regularly and not open any suspicious mails or hyperlinks. The OGCIO has been disseminating cyber security reminders to enterprises and the public through the Hong Kong Computer Emergency Response Team Coordination Centre (HKCERT). The public may also get up-to-date information and alerts through the InfoSec website (infosec.gov.hk) of the OGCIO. The public may call the 24-hour hotline of the HKCERT at 8105 6060 if they need assistance on cyber security.
Ends/Wednesday, May 17, 2017
Issued at HKT 18:40
Issued at HKT 18:40
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