By Albert Mwangeka
The recent cyber attack – Wanna cry virus that has affected more than 350,000 users in about 300 countries has raised so many unanswered questions about cyber security.
This virus locks files in a computer and demands users to pay around sh 30,000 to release the file.The victim is never assured of getting the files back after paying the money.
IT infrastructure is at risk in many developing countries many are caught unaware with such kind of Cyberspace attacks.
Ransomware Melee is another virus that Dan Kwach, CEO East Africa Data Center in Kenya is warning about.
Although he says the virus has had a global impact, it has less impact in Africa.
General Manager East Africa Data Center EADC Dan Kwach has told Talk Africa that the ransomware melee is a global one whose impact is less in the African context.
“The whole world is still at risk and the globe needs to be aware of such risks. People have to be knowledgeable on how to untangle this web when trapped. My professional view is that this cannot be fought by coming up with security systems and legislative frameworks. These attacks are going to be real and imminent to us,” Mr. Kwach commented.
According to the IT expert, Microsoft had foreshadowed such incidences earlier in March stating that people would be vulnerable to such occurrences.
“How was that information going to reach you if at all you did not take the proactive measure to have that knowledge with you and the technical solutions to it?” he posed the question.
He advised individuals and corporates as well to have their systems updated, in line with the Microsoft report, as a protective strategy.
Maggy Maina Sales and Service Delivery Manager EADC told Talk Africa that use of firewalls and employing the use of Antivirus software made entities less vulnerable to ransomware.
“Companies must also equip their employees with the necessary expertise and skill set to protect the company’s data from being held at ransom,” Maina remarked.
