Ransomware cyber attack is keeping Indian telcos on their toes

Telecom companies, phone companies, network vendors and tower operators in the country are on a high alert; keeping close watch on any disruption in operations after a deadly ransomware cyber attack infected millions of computers in about 100 countries, including Russia, China and the UK.

Also read: Brace up for higher impact from WannaCry ransomware worm; 150 countries already adversely affected

As per top telcos, there was no immediate impact of the attack, which was because of WannaCry, a malicious piece of software. However, they are ensuring the safety of country's phone networks and prevent impacts of the malware.

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The malware has already impacted UK's health system and FedEx.

The malware is also called ransomware since it first encrypts a victim's computer files and then demands that it be paid for decryption. After entering an organsation's computer systems, the malware looks for the most vulnerable machines before clinically infecting them.

"Vodafone India has taken measures to protect its systems and continues to monitor the situation closely as it is aware that some corporations and organisations are being targeted by ransomware attacks," a company spokesman told ET.

Rajan Mathews, Director General of Cellular Operators Association of India, said that the ransomware attack "should be seen as a watershed moment", adding that the government needs to invest more in cyber security preparedness.