Cyber expert warns against supporting criminal syndicates amid global hacking - RansomWare

​Australia on the edge as ransomware attacks ravage the world

James Henderson

'Don't pay ransom': security expert warns against supporting cyber crime

Katri Uibu

Cyber expert warns against supporting criminal syndicates amid global hacking

Companies affected by global ransomware attacks should not pay the ransom so as not to feed into the growing business of organised cyber crime, a security expert warns.

Attackers have used encryption algorithms to lock files, which owners cannot access unless they pay a ransom.

Over 57,000 infections in 99 countries have been detected, with Russia, Ukraine and Taiwan being top targets, security software maker Avast said.

Key points:

• Over 57,000 infections in 99 countries have been detected
• Ransomware attacks happen every day in Australia, they just don't get reported, expert says
• UK doctors have turned away chemotherapy patients due to not being unable to access medical records

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Companies affected by global ransomware attacks should not pay the ransom so as not to feed into the growing business of organised cyber crime, a security expert warns. A