Italy warns of worldwide cyberattacks

(Patria) - Thousands of computer servers worldwide have been targeted by a ransomware cyberattack aimed at VMware ESXi servers, the Italian National Cyber Security Agency (ACN) announced, warning organizations to take measures to protect their systems.

The cyberattack sought to exploit a software vulnerability, ACN Director General Roberto Baldoni told Reuters, adding that it was of a massive scale. A VMware spokesperson said the company is aware of the incidents and has issued patches for a two-year-old system vulnerability, urging its clients to apply the patch if they have not already done so.

The Italian news agency ANSA, citing the ACN, reported that servers in other European countries such as France, Finland, the United States, and Canada have also been compromised.

Dozens of Italian organizations have likely been affected, and many more have been warned to take measures to avoid having their systems locked. Telecom Italia users reported internet issues on Sunday, but it is believed these two issues are not related. U.S. cybersecurity officials said they are assessing the impact of the reported incidents.

"CISA is working with our public and private sector partners to assess the impact of these reported incidents and provide assistance where needed," said the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.