The Vietnam Computer Emergency Response Team (VNCERT) has issued a warning following the online publication of a hacking ’“toolkit” by a group known as the Shadow Brokers on April 17.
The Shadow Brokers claimed to have stolen the kit from the United States’ National Security Agency (NSA), and made it publicly available online after unsuccessful attempts to sell it, according to Vietnamplus, a website of the Vietnam News Agency.
VNCERT said that private information across the globe is at heightened risk following the move.
The toolkit includes binary programs designed to exploit any system that uses the Windows operating system, except Windows 10 and Windows Server 2016. The collection also allows users to exploit vulnerabilities in Cisco’s ASA software, allowing hackers to remotely take control of their victims’ devices.
VNCERT recommended users update their devices with patches from Microsoft’s official website. It also said users should also update antivirus software and perform regular data backups.
Vietnam was hit by 134,375 cyber attacks in 2016, up more than four times from the previous year, according to data from the team.
VnExpress
The Government is encouraging made-in-Viet Nam internet platforms to replace international giants like Google and Facebook as part of its long-term efforts to strengthen cyber security, the communications minister said yesterday.
The website has resumed operations after the overnight attack, which aviation officials believe was only meant as a security alert.
The country could become one of the next outsourcing hubs for software development, industry players said.
A workshop focusing on the need to establish groups to handle cyber security problems and maintain safe cyber operations was held in Ho Chi Minh City December 6.