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Aussie businesses confirmed affected by global ransomware attack: gov't

Xinhua, May 15, 2017 Adjust font size:

At least one Australian business has been affected by the global WannaCry ransomware attack which affected more than 75,000 computers in almost 100 countries, the nation's Cyber Security Minister confirmed on Monday.

Cyber Security Minister Dan Tehan said that at least one Australian organization had been affected by the attack, which locked all computer functions until a "ransom" had been paid to the attackers, but he told Sky News there were reports that the number could rise to at least three, saying the government would be in contact with any Australians affected.

Tehan said the nation's cyber security organizations will work with any local businesses affected by the attack, but added that the Australian government would be seeking answers about how it was allowed to spread so easily across the world.

"There has been one incident of the ransomware hitting a business here in Australia and there could be two other incidents where it has occurred although we are trying to confirm that," Tehan said on Monday.

"At this stage it's likely that at least one business has been impacted."

The minister also confirmed the attack did not affect any vital services in Australia, following reports that the ransomware hit British hospitals and health organizations, but said employers should "make sure" that all systems are "updated" to prevent future attacks.

"We're not talking about a government organization or a hospital or anything like that ... We are obviously working with that business; the Australian Cyber Security Center is engaging with them," Tehan said.

"(But when Australians) go into work ­tomorrow, make sure your systems have been updated, make sure your chief information officer is right on top of this; speak to the Australian Cyber Security Center."

The attack affected at least 16 National Health Service organizations in Britain, crippling computers in emergency rooms, while international shipping company FedEx was another major organization hit.

Media reports suggest more than 75,000 similar attacks reportedly happened in almost 100 countries, with Britain, the United States, Spain and Russia among the hardest hit nations. Endit