The computer virus WannaCry has recently affected over 150 countries. China is no exception. As of May 13, more than 20,000 computers in China had been infected. As the virus continuously upgrades itself, the number is expected to grow exponentially. Some specific cases may better illustrate the harm that the virus has done. Owing to the virus, some cannot get their cards recharged at gas stations and certain college students are unable to open their graduation theses.
Cybersecurity is no longer an abstract concept but has a direct impact on people's lives. It needs to be urgently addressed on the national level. Last year, a town government in Zhejiang Province collaborated with e-commerce giant Alibaba to crack down on cybercrimes, creating a new model of cooperation between the government and enterprises in safeguarding cybersecurity. Such practices should be promoted across the country. Also, the Cybersecurity Law, which will take effect on June 1, is expected to provide a legal basis for fighting online crimes.
Cybersecurity concerns both individuals' and the nation's rights and interests. The WannaCry virus sends a warning that it's far from enough to realize cybersecurity only by small precautions. More comprehensive and specialized measures should be introduced to address problems in cyberspace.
(This is an edited excerpt of an article published in Workers' Daily on May 17)