No Petya ransomware case in Oman, say officials

Muscat: Oman is not affected by the Global ransomware attack, according to the Information Technology Authority (ITA).
"With regard to Petya attack, so far we didn't register any case in the Sultanate," said Dr. Bader bin Salim Al Manthari, Director General of Information Security Division at ITA.
The attack encrypts files stored in hard disks and prevents access to the affected devices and then ask for a ransom.
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ITA has been monitoring the new ransomeware attack, Petya. The team has been analysing the data and the signature used in the attack.
After analysis the team then applies it to their network protection devices to prevent the attack from spreading in the institutions internal networks and devices.
"The ITA works in cooperation with the concerned entities to track this attack and other cybersecurity attacks targeting the cyberspace in the Sultanate." Al Manthari added.
Governments and private entities are advised to be cautious and vigilant, by paying attention to links and attachments sent through email or social media.
"We advise all entities to immediately update their systems, applications and anti-virus programs and continuously spread awareness among their employees and all who deal with the organisation systems," said Al Manthari.
The cybersecurity response services should be contacted at [email protected] or through the hotline 24166828 if the virus is detected.
The ITA has recently developed a framework that contains many recommendations and security requirements to protect smart devices and the Internet from ransomware attacks, advanced attacks and data leakage.