Public warned against falling for ‘Ransomware’

Abu Dhabi: The public has been asked to exercise caution and to refrain from opening links attached to e-mails and SMSes from unknown senders regardless of how interesting they may seem, the Abu Dhabi Public Prosecution said on Monday.

This is because the links might contain an electronic virus called ‘Ransomware’ run by a gang which seeks to blackmail individuals to eventually take their money, officials said.

The Prosecution said this virus could reach computers and smartphones of individuals and companies through a coding technique which gathers all information and data on these devices while preventing access to their users.

The trespassers then reach out to victims and blackmail them into paying a ransom in order to retrieve the stolen data.

Authorities have also asked device users to avoid responding to messages they may receive from sources that are not trustworthy and to delete these communications immediately while keeping a backup of any valuable information stored on their smartphones and computers.

Using authentic, up-to-date anti-virus and other electronic safety software is also advised when combating such phenomena, the Prosecution added.

The UAE electronic laws can punish those convicted of illicitly accessing money using the internet or other technology with a prison sentence of up to three years and a fine not exceeding Dh1 million.

Additionally, those who unlawfully enter the online accounts of others or cause any changes, damages, make copies or distribute the information on these accounts can also be held accountable by law as this information is personal and should not be violated.

In 2013, another online epidemic hit UAE screens when hackers posing as police officials ‘locked’ targeted computer screens.

In order to restore accessibility to the devices, the hackers asked users to make a payment through CashU, an online payment website, within 72 hours or risk being prosecuted by law.

Also in 2013, experts reported that financial fraud was the number one crime committed against UAE residents.