Global ransomware attacks have been steadily increasing over the past few years and are at an all-time high. The worst part is that the US is the world’s biggest target for all ransomware attacks, accounting for over 43% of the last 1,900 attacks reported last year, according to one study. Report from Malwarebytes.
So why are we the biggest targets? What mistakes are we making that make us such easy targets for ransomware attackers? Find out more answers on this thorny subject. We spoke to Steve Stone, head of Rubrik Zero labs, the data threat hunting unit at cloud data management and data security company Rubrik.
Ransomware targeting the United States is at an all-time high. (CyberGuy.com)
What is ransomware? Why has it become so popular?
A ransomware attack occurs when a group of hackers encrypts data on a system (usually a large organization) and demands a ransom to restore access to the owner or user. Hackers may also threaten to delete or leak your data if the ransom is not paid, making it a very serious attack.
What are some of the most notorious attacks?
These attacks come from a variety of sources, but some of the most notorious attacks come from Russian ransomware groups such as Clop, REvil, DarkSide, and Conti. These groups operate as ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) platforms. This means providing the ransomware software and infrastructure to other cybercriminals to carry out the attacks, and sharing the profits.
Read more: Ransomware groups are on the prowl: Could you be their next target?
What are the key organizations targeted by these cybercriminals?
Key organizations targeted by these groups in the past year include the healthcare, education, energy, and transportation sectors. One of his victims was his CalPERS, the largest pension fund in the United States, whose data was stolen and leaked by Klopp through a third-party vendor of his that exploited a zero-day vulnerability.
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How do ransomware attacks harm individuals?
Ransomware attacks can also affect individuals like you and me. In fact, anyone who uses a computer or device connected to the internet can become a victim of ransomware.
This means your personal files such as photos, videos, documents, emails etc. may get locked by hackers who demand ransom money for their release.
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Anyone connected to the internet can become a victim of ransomware. (CyberGuy.com)
How do ransomware attacks work today?
A few years ago, ransomware attackers had to spend more time doing more work and performing different steps to accomplish their goals. They had to find targets, track them, negotiate with them, and there were many more steps to take, making it a fairly complex process.
Now, what has truly changed the game is “Ransomware as a Service.” This is when ransomware operators create software and pay hackers to use that software to launch attacks.
They don’t need to have any technical skills and can just pay you to do the work and get paid right away. Additionally, tools like ChatGPT make this method easily accessible to everyone. Much less effort, much more reward.
And, according to Stone, the people and organizations they target don’t really matter to them. “Ransomware attackers don’t want to spend their time because they’re looking for something that will return value for them. “They spend a lot of time on the targets, which is very different from government-backed efforts… It’s more about how they get paid than the actual specific targets themselves.”
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Hackers pay ransomware operators to launch attacks. (CyberGuy.com)
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Why doesn’t the government shut everything down?
It’s not that the government doesn’t want to do anything. Instead, methods to thwart ransomware attackers are highly complex and constantly changing. As soon as we think we’ve solved her one problem, the attacker finds five more loopholes to get around it.
I asked Mr. Stone this exact question. And he reiterated that the truth of the matter is that the government is working on this problem every day. “This is an eternal problem. This problem is here to stay. And the more you think about it that way, the more you realize that government always needs to do more. Government always improves,” Stone said. “There is a need and there always will be a need.” we. “
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How can I protect myself from ransomware?
Ransomware criminals will try to make you pay money to get your files back. However, paying the ransom does not guarantee that the criminals will regain access to what they took, it only gives them permission to do more.
Your best bet is to completely prevent the attacker from accessing your files so you don’t have to fight to get them back. Here are some tips to prevent your data from being stolen in a ransomware attack.
Be careful not to open suspicious links or attachments
If you receive an email from an address you don’t recognize, don’t open it. Do not click on links or open attachments in emails if you open them by mistake. This is a classic technique used by cybercriminals to make you think the message is from someone important to you.
Has great antivirus protection
Having good antivirus software installed can prevent hackers from getting into your device. Installing antivirus software on your device will ensure that you are prevented from clicking on malicious links that could install malware or ransomware on your device and allow hackers to access your personal information. Additionally, it is designed to notify you if malware is already present on your device, so you can immediately begin removing it.
Back up files to external hard drive
I strongly recommend it Create a backup Save your information on an external hard drive and keep it safe in a safe place. This process involves making backup copies on a regular basis. windows or Mac For added safety, remove external drives from your computer. Removed drives should be stored in a secure location, such as a fireproof safe or safe deposit box. By unplugging your drive when not in use, you greatly minimize the risk of hackers gaining unauthorized access to your data.
Check out my top recommendations for external hard drives here
Keep your software up to date
regularly Update your operating systemantivirus software, web browsers, and other applications to ensure they have the latest security patches and protection.
Use strong and unique passwords
create strong password Tailor your passwords to your accounts and devices, and don’t use the same password for multiple online accounts. This makes it difficult for hackers to access your data or infect your device with ransomware. Please consider using . password manager Securely store and generate complex passwords. It helps you create unique, hard-to-crack passwords that hackers can never guess. Second, he keeps track of all your passwords in one place and enters them for you when you log into your account, so you don’t have to remember them yourself. The fewer passwords you remember, the less likely you are to reuse them on your account.
Learn more about my Best Password Managers of 2023, with expert reviews
How to deal with ransomware attacks
Do not pay the ransom. Paying the ransom doesn’t guarantee you’ll get your data back, and the attackers may come back to target you.
Disconnect your device from the internet and other networks. This will prevent ransomware from spreading to other devices and encrypting further data.
Contact law enforcement and report the incident. It may be useful in recovering data or tracking down attackers. A list of law enforcement contacts regarding ransomware attacks can be found at: CISA website.
Restore data from backup. If you have backups of your important data, you may be able to restore them to a clean device. Verify that your backups are not infected with ransomware and that your backups are not infected with ransomware. Scan for malware before restoring.
Use Identity Theft Protection. If you’ve been the victim of a ransomware attack, consider investing in identity theft protection. Identity theft protection companies monitor your personal information, such as your home name, social security number (SSN), phone number, and email address, and alert you if it is used to open an account. It can also help freeze bank and credit card accounts to prevent further misuse by criminals. One of the best things about using some of our services is identity theft insurance of up to $1 million to cover your losses and legal costs, as well as white glove fraud insurance with a US-based case manager to help you recover your losses. It includes a resolution team.
Check out my tips and recommendations on how to protect yourself from identity theft.
Cart important points
Ransomware attacks are a serious threat that can affect anyone, anytime, anywhere. The United States is particularly vulnerable to these attacks because of its high-value targets and lack of cyber defenses.
The best ways to protect yourself and your data from ransomware are to avoid clicking on suspicious links or attachments, back up your files regularly, and use reliable antivirus software. If you are a victim of ransomware, please contact law enforcement.
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