The 'Ransomware WannaCry' attack which also affected Malaysia is a warning which must be taken seriously, especially the need to create a data backup, said Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau.

He said two reports on Ransomware virus threat had been received and CyberSecurity Malaysia was actively monitoring to ensure that the nation's cyberspace was always safe from any attacks and cyber threats.

"It (Ransomware attack) is more on awareness. If consumers are cautious when using computers and the the internet, in addition to have data backup for information and documents, I believe it is not a problem.

"Even computer defence software systems such as firewall and antivirus must be constantly updated," he told Bernama here today when met after the National Transformation Programme (TN50) dislogue titled 'Science, Technology and Innovation in Life' with about 500 students at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) campus, here Saturday.

On May 12, the world was shocked by 'Ransomware WannaCry' attack which affected about 150 countries to date, in which the virus took over control of the users file and demanded them to pay US$300 (RM1,301) to restore access.

Madius said CyberSecurity Malaysia was collaborating with International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) to produce data scientists and cyber security experts in an effort stem the threat in cyberspace.

"The government is targeting to produce 0,000 data scientists and cyber security experts (cyber defenders) by 2020.

"In fact, we have a real-time laboratory at IIUM where we can practice attacking and defending (the nation''s cyberspace)," he added.

-- BERNAMA