Thai hospitals and companies hit by ransomware attacks
[BANGKOK] Hospitals and companies in Thailand were hit by hackers who held their computer systems and data ransom, demanding payment to restore information, police said on Thursday.
"Government hospitals and companies were hacked in the same manner as Saraburi Hospital," Major General Phanthana Nutchanart, said, referring to a cyber attack earlier this month.
Saraburi Hospital could not access its data on Sept 5, slowing operations relying on manual functions, but the hospital did not receive a demand for payment.
Some organisations that received ransom demands have already paid to retrieve data, in sums not exceeding US$32,000, he said, adding that the total number of organisations affected was still being investigated.
Hackers attacked organisations with a "ransomware" code, which locks up the files on a computer and encrypts them, blocking access until the ransom is paid, usually in cryptocurrency like bitcoin.
In 2017, the WannaCry ransomware attack disrupted hospitals and businesses across the world.
A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU
Asean Business
Business insights centering on South-east Asia's fast-growing economies.
Thai police believe that the virus originated in Europe.
REUTERS
KEYWORDS IN THIS ARTICLE
BT is now on Telegram!
For daily updates on weekdays and specially selected content for the weekend. Subscribe to t.me/BizTimes
International
Abu Dhabi’s IHC to buy back up to US$1.4 billion of its shares
Dubai’s financial centre expects ‘busiest year’ as firms rush in
Israel strikes Gaza city of Rafah after evacuation order
Britain's King Charles III marks first anniversary of coronation
German deficit forecast at 1.75% in 2024, says stability council
SNP veteran John Swinney set to be Scotland’s next leader