A ransomware named Petya blocks computers and requires a ransom of $300 in bitcoins

MOSCOW, June 27. /TASS/. Rosneft, Bashneft, Mars, Nivea and Mondelez International (producer of Alpen Gold chocolate) are among the companies that were attacked by the Petya virus in Russia, Group-IB, the company which deals with prevention and investigation of cybercrime, reported. A ransomware named Petya blocks computers and requires a ransom of $300 in bitcoins.

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A massive cyber attack on computers in Russia and Ukraine was recorded around 14:00 Moscow time (11:00 GMT). According to Group-IB, the ransomware spreads through local networks just like the WannaCry virus did. The Petya virus has attacked the Ukrainian government, Auchan Hypermarkets, Privatbank and telecommunication operators, the Group-IB company said. Statements published on social networks earlier said that a computer virus had attacked the websites and computer systems of numerous Ukrainian companies, banks, state agencies and other institutions. Ukraine’s National Bank was the first to report a cyber attack, warning banks and institutions about a dangerous malware. Meanwhile, according to the country’s media, dozens of big banks, particularly Oschadbank and Privatbank, have limited customer service operations.