Saudi Aramco online after cyberattack

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RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Aug. 27 (UPI) -- Though Internet access was restricted, Saudi Aramco announced that the network systems hit by a cyberattack Aug. 15 have been returned to service.

The Saudi Arabian Oil Co., known as Saudi Aramco, reported that a computer virus entered the company's network through personal computers Aug. 15.

The company said in a statement that about 30,000 workstations were affected by the virus. All workstations have returned to service, though remote access to the Internet was restricted.

"We would like to emphasize and assure our stakeholders, customers and partners that our core businesses of oil and gas exploration, production and distribution from the wellhead to the distribution network were unaffected and are functioning as reliably as ever," President and Chief Executive Officer Khalid al-Falih said in a statement.

"There is no doubt whatsoever about Saudi Aramco meeting its commitments to its customers worldwide."

The company said all employees returned to work last weekend following an Islamic holiday and resumed normal business operations.

A cyberattack network calling themselves "Cutting Sword of Justice" posted the Internet Protocol of the workstations affected by the malware last week in a claim of responsibility, The New York Times reported.