​MeitY activates mechanism to prevent Ransomware cyberattack

A few days ago a global cyber attack was launched using the & quot WannaCry& quot ransomware which has infected computer systems in 74 countries around the world. The malicious software infects a computer and restricts users' access to it until a ransom is paid to unlock it. The ministry of electronics and information technology (MeitY) said it has activated a & quot preparedness and response mechanism& quot by instructing CERT-IN (Computer Emergency Response Team) to gather & quot all the information of the ransomware& quot . CERT-IN had issued an advisory for both reactive and preventive actions to deal with the ransomware. MeitY has contacted relevant stakeholders in public and private sector to 'patch' their systems as prescribed in the advisory issued by CERT-IN. MeitY has also requested Microsoft India to inform all their partners and customers to apply relevant patches. & quot In India, no reports have been received so far regarding this ransomware attack. However, a few systems of the police department in Andhra Pradesh were impacted. MeitY has informed AP government, to follow the CERT-In advisory.& quot