AP Police tries to get in touch with DHS

Vijayawada: The AP Police department is trying to get in touch with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Washington, on ransomware, also known as WannaCry that’s currently affecting the computer systems of several entities across the globe.

DHS has stated that it’s ready to share information related to this event and ready to lend technical support and assistance as needed to its partners, both in the US and internationally. “We are trying to find out the ambit of the DHS, in sharing information, and accordingly we will move ahead,” a senior police officer said.

The US department has a cadre of cyber security professionals that can provide expe-rtise and support to critical infrastructure entities.

Ransomware is a type of malicious software that infects a computer and restricts users’ access to it until a ransom is paid to unlock it. Microsoft released a patch in March that addresses this specific vulnerability. Installing this patch will help secure systems from the threat.

Individual users are often the first line of defence against this and other threats. DHS has suggested to all Americans to update their operating systems and implement vigorous cyber security practices at home, work, and school.

Apart from updating the systems to include the latest patches and software updates, the users are advised to not click on or download unfamiliar links or files in emails.