Cybersecurity

’Petya’ ransomware attack goes global, targets Merck in US

The US-based division of the global pharmaceutical giant Merck has been hit by the ‘Petya’ ransomware attack that has crippled computer systems across the world on Tuesday.

“We confirm our company’s computer network was compromised today as part of global hack,” Merck said in a statement on Tuesday. “Other organizations have also been affected. We are investigating the matter and will provide additional information as we learn more.”

“The company is currently experiencing a hostile ransomware attack on its network systems,” said an internal Merck memo quoted by the Philadelphia Inquirer. “While IT risk management and global security respond to this threat please remain calm.”

Merck employees were instructed to disconnect all mobile devices from the company network and advised not to speak to reporters or post messages on social media accounts.

Computers at Merck facilities in Pennsylvania and New Jersey locked up Tuesday morning around 8am local time, according to the Inquirer.