What would you do if you were suddenly blocked from accessing all the files on your computer at home or at work?
This is what happened to thousands of Windows users around the world during the recent WannaCry ransomware attack. To regain access to their files, they were asked to pay hundreds of dollars in “ransom” money.
We have heard no reports of Virgin Islands residents being targeted by WannaCry, but it wouldn’t be surprising if some were: Though Europe and Russia were hit hardest, several countries in this hemisphere reported the attacks as well.
Besides private computers, WannaCry struck businesses and government agencies including the National Health Service in the United Kingdom. All told, it has caused losses that some estimates suggest could reach $4 billion, and the ramifications of the related data breaches may never be fully understood.
This episode should serve as a wakeup call for the VI. Cybersecurity experts here say that many of the territory’s computers are ill prepared for cyber mischief, much of which can be prevented by implementing fairly straightforward security measures. WannaCry, for example, could have been blocked by a “patch” released by Microsoft in March.
To fight back against cybercrime, VI businesses, government agencies and individuals alike should do all they can to ensure that their computers are adequately protected. Preventive measures range from taking routine steps — such as changing passwords frequently, installing standard anti-virus software, and backing up data — to hiring a consultant to identify security weaknesses.
VI legislators also have a role to play. Though the 2014 Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act was a step toward discouraging cyber criminals, there is doubtlessly more to be done to keep the territory in line with international standards. Government, for example, should consider following in the footsteps of other countries by mandating minimum cyber security measures and requiring certain breaches to be publicised.
A cyber attack can have devastating ramifications anywhere, as was shown by WannaCry, but this territory’s small size and delicate economy could greatly magnify the adverse effects, particularly considering the catastrophic fallout that could result from any data breach involving the financial services sector.
For now, the territory appears to have dodged the WannaCry bullet. Next time around, it might not be so lucky.
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