No Thai financial institutions attacked by new ransomware

BANGKOK, June 30 – Thai financial institutions have not been attacked by new ransomware while authorities are watching out closely for the threat and approved projects related to new financial security technology. Siritida Panomwon Na Ayudhya, Bank of Thailand assistant governor for payment systems policy and financial technology, said BoT and the Thai Bankers’ Association were alerted following reports of Petya rasomware but no Thai financial institutions had been attacked. She also said BoT allowed three more parties to test new technology on financial service security. So far four parties have proposed to conduct the tests. They concern regulation on cross-border transfers with blockchain technology and iris recognition for the usage of mobile phone application software. BoT assured that the tests would not jeopardize the data of clients, Ms Siritida said. Meanwhile, Suthipol Thaweechaigarn, secretary-general of the Insurance Commission, said the Office of the Insurance Commission took precautions against ransomware attacks and encouraged insurance firms to do so. (TNA)