Industry and government were warned today that a rapid response is essential to ensure local businesses and residents are protected against the 'WannaCry' malware that has become a global epidemic.
Matt Palmer, Chair of the Channel Islands Information Security Forum, said: "Since this malware started hitting the NHS on Friday, it has escalated into a global epidemic.
“We cannot assume this is over; new variants of this attack are already being released. It is essential that local businesses and organisations immediately take action to patch their systems following Microsoft guidance.
"This includes any older systems, as Microsoft took the unusual step of releasing patches for unsupported systems on Friday.
"It is also important to ensure that anti-virus definitions are up to date and fully deployed.”
He added: “The patch for this vulnerability has been available since March but many organisations have not yet applied it. As a result, some are losing access to data and systems, with hospitals turning away patients. All organisations should look to apply security patches as quickly as possible, and within a month of release."
Individuals are also at risk, he said. "Islanders should check their computers are set to auto-update and have current, up to date anti-virus definitions.
"It is good practice to exercise sensible precautions when receiving emails or on the internet. In particular, do not open unexpected attachments or links."
Statement from the States of Jersey
The States of Jersey, including the Health and Social Services Department, is not currently affected by the WannaCry/wannacrypt ramsomware attack.
Earlier this year the Government of Jersey launched its Cyber Security Strategy and is investing £1.9m in measures that will help the Island to remain a safe place in which to live and do business.
What we have done so far:
• Over the weekend the Cyber Security Task Force liaised to coordinate information sharing.
• A very small number of our PCs run Windows XP, in order that machinery reliant on that operating system can continue to be used. We have prioritised the application of XP patches that have been released by Microsoft in order to keep those PCs secure.
• We have scanned the entire network for vulnerabilities.
• We are monitoring the email gateway for unusual traffic – nothing seen so far.
• We have further locked down our internet filtering, so that unclassified sites cannot be accessed.
• We have sent out a communication to all States users with instructions to reduce risks of being affected.
Further guidance on how to protect against ramsomware and other cyber threats can be found on the National Cyber Security Centre website