One of the most intriguing cybersecurity trends of the last year has been the sudden decline in ransomware. The file-encrypting attacks have accounted for only 5% of malware payloads in recent months, down from 60% in early 2017. That’s a huge shift in direction for hackers. But just as quickly as ransomware has declined, a new threat has skyrocketed: cryptojacking.
Just as a new wave of coronavirus infections surged across the globe last month, U.S. cybersecurity agencies released a startling statement: “CISA, FBI, and HHS have credible information of an increased and imminent cybercrime threat to U.S. hospitals and healthcare providers.”
Large organizations like the Colonial Pipeline get major media attention when they experience ransomware attacks, while incidents at smaller businesses rarely make headlines. This uneven level of attention might lull many small- and medium-sized business (SMB) owners into a false sense of security. While cyberattacks on major businesses get most of the publicity, SMB ransomware is in some ways a bigger threat.
Data is a valuable commodity, and cyberattackers have refined their techniques for accessing, stealing, and removing it. One of their preferred methods is malicious software, better known as malware, which is designed for the sole purpose of disrupting normal computer, network, and server operations. When a business experiences data loss from malware, it can have far-reaching consequences from a financial, marketing, and even legal standpoint. To mitigate the risk of an attack, it’s important to first understand what malware is and how it works.
Do you know all about the ransomware statistics of 2016 to present? They’re frightening. Learn how to keep your business safe.
On New Year’s Eve, international travelers encountered a rude surprise when attempting to exchange foreign currency: systems were down—indefinitely. Travelex, the popular currency exchange service, had been hit by ransomware. That meant all 1,200 Travelex stores, kiosks and counters in 70 countries around the world had been knocked offline.
Ransomware is only one of many forms of potential cyberattacks, but it’s likely to elicit the most dramatic and fearful response. Unfortunately, this reaction isn’t the result of melodrama or overreaction. A quick look at some key disaster recovery statistics shows that businesses are perfectly justified in their concern
Ransomware prevention has become an urgent issue at organizations across the globe, with businesses racing to find the best way to protect themselves.
Even prior to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, U.S. officials have repeatedly warned that Russia may launch a cyberattack against its adversaries around the world. Now, military intelligence suggests this threat is greater than ever. The White House recently released a statement warning that “There is now evolving intelligence that Russia may be exploring options for… Continue reading Is a Russian Cyberattack Imminent?
While the final tally for the total number of data breaches for 2021 is not yet in, we do know already that it will be a record year. In its report for Q3 2021, The Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC), a nonprofit organization established to support victims of identity crime, revealed that the number of… Continue reading Understanding the Top Data Breaches of 2021
Phishing insights can be obtained by viewing the widespread and costly phenomenon of phishing as a field of battle. After all, if we look at the language used when talking about phishing — attackers, invaders, adversaries, weapons, intelligence — we know we are in a war of some sort. From our day-to-day experience and the stories we read in the technology and popular press, we sense that the battle is intensifying and the enemy is becoming more skilled and sinister.
With ransomware having recently made a direct attack on U.S. fuel logistics, the Ransomware Task Force’s long-awaited comprehensive plan couldn’t come at a better time.
