Image by Arcturus~commonswiki
As a major cyber attack swept across former Soviet territories and Europe, it seems Ukraine was especially hard hit as the National Bank, the country’s largest airport, and state power firm all suffered severe computer outages.
The virus also hit government computers for many officials and various government departments.
“We also have a network ‘down’…This image is being displayed by all computers of the government,” said Rozenko Pavlo, the deputy Prime Minister. Messages on screens urged users to turn off the machines and said “contains errors and needs to be prepared.” Some work stations were inflicted with ransomeware.
“As a result of cyber attacks, these banks have difficulties with customer service and banking operations,” a statement said from the National Bank of Ukraine. “The National Bank bank is confident that the banking infrastructure’s defence against cyber fraud is properly set up and attempted cyber attacks on banks’ IT systems will be neutralised.”
Ukrainian state-run aircraft manufacturer Antonov was among the companies hit, along with power distributor Ukrenergo, reported The Independent.
“The official site of the airport and the scoreboard with the schedule of flights aren’t working!” the airport’s acting director, Pavel Ryabikin, wrote on Facebook, reported The Independent.
The attacks also hit Russia. “The cyber attack could lead to serious consequences, however, due to the fact that the Company has switched to a reserve control system, neither oil production nor preparation processes were stopped,” said a statement issued by Russian oil giant Rosneft.
