When the Public Sector IT leadership is taking a stand against paying ransom, the attacks have changed to steal money, instead of holding hostage. Even though Backup is essential and a lot of value against cyber-crimes, it cannot be the primary (or only) protection against cybercrimes. It is one of the tools in the arsenal Read More »
US Mayors Vow to Reject Ransomware Payment Demands
The U.S. Conference of Mayors has unanimously resolved not to give in to any ransom demands from the hackers. This is coming after a series of cyber shakedowns that have extorted millions from city governments. Considering the number of ransomware targeting cities and municipalities has grown both in frequency and intensity, the resolution, while not Read More »
Cybercriminals hit MSP software to launch Ransomware
Hackers have leveraged Managed IT Services Provider (MSP) software to spread ransomware to their customers’ systems. The attackers have hacked and gained access into an MSP-centric cybersecurity console from Webroot, while also exploiting Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) software from Kaseya. Both software makershave saidthat the issues involve compromised credentials and not any software vulnerabilities Read More »
Baltimore Robbinhood ransomware attack
The City of Baltimore was attacked with a very aggressive variant of the Robbinhood ransomware on May 8 for the second time in 14 months. Some city departments, including the police, inspector general’s office, and the city’s departments of transportation and public works reported problems with email and phone systems. While the attack didn’t affect Read More »
Customers are struggling with lack of visibility & threat detection
Six uncomfortable truths Although, more than half of the organizations surveyed were hit by a cyberattack in the last year, a lack of visibility remains high, threat detection is problematic, false alarms cost time and money, according to a new research. The study surveyed over 3,000 IT decision makers at organizations ranging from 100 to Read More »
Ransomware cyberattack takes down Norwegian aluminum company’s entire worldwide operations
A major ransomware cyberattack that has taken down the Norsk Hydro’s entire worldwide network, affecting operations, worldwide production, and their 35,000 employees. Executive briefing The situation is quite severe. Our entire worldwide network is down. IT-systems in most business areas are impacted, and the company has switched to manual operations where possible. There have been Read More »
SamSam Ransomware — What is this and How to defend?
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have issued an alert for SamSam ransomware to describe how hackers armed with SamSam targeted multiple industries. The U.S. Justice Department has charged two Iranian nationals as the masterminds behind the recent SamSam ransomware attacks. The cyber kidnappers behind SamSam ransomware attacks in Atlanta and Colorado earlier Read More »