Oman steps up efforts to combat cyber attacks

Muscat: There have been intensive national efforts to curb the spread of the global cyber attacks on the Oman government’s sites, officials announced on Saturday.
Read here: Ransomware threat and tips to keep devices safe
The Oman CERT released a statement regarding global cyber attacks on electronic devices in nearly 100 countries. The Oman National Computer Emergency Readiness Team detailed their early efforts to recover the Oman government’s sites that have been affected by a ransomware cyber attack.
“In reference to the global development of the spread of the ransomware attacks, which targeted some institutions in the Sultanate, Oman CERT has been working with specialists since early hours on the infected sites.”
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“The harm done to the sites is being analysed, as the team works with related authorities to recover from the damage. The team has been taking proactive steps to prevent other institutions from getting infected.”
“There have been intensive national efforts in the early hours of the attack, in order to take proactive steps and avoid the rest of the institutions from getting infected, and the teams are still working on each site,” Oman CERT said.
Oman CERT also issued a detailed list of guidelines for electronic device users to keep devices protected in the coming period. They emphasised updating operating systems for all devices, as well as updating anti-malware software. “When using emails, don’t open links from unknown sources, and scan all attachments before downloading them.”
The agency explained that ransomware cyber attacks often trick users by attempting to convince them that an email they received contains personal information in the attachment or link provided.
The downloaded link or attachment would then encrypt all files within the device.
Oman CERT also advised that individuals make copies of all important documents, and keep the copies in a device that is not part of the network.
“If a virus does affect your device, remove your device from the network so that the virus does not spread to other devices in the network.”
Oman CERT recommended the use of anti-ransomware programs, available through Trend Micro, Kapersky, McAfee, and other anti-virus programs.
The Ministry of Education has also issued similar guidelines for employees on safe computer practices, such as not installing or downloading any free or suspicious software, avoiding the use of USBs, and practicing caution with unknown emails.
Oman CERT offers a 24 hour cyber crime response service, through the email [email protected], or the hotline: 24166828.