Ransomware reports popping up more and more frequently
A recent surge in cases of ransomware, highlighted by a very recent incident involving Apple, have cyber security experts concerned that there is much more to come.
On March 4, warnings went out about a ransomware known as “KeRanger” that was reportedly infecting Apple devices. Attackers were reportedly asking for [link url=”http://www.forbes.com/sites/thomasbrewster/2016/03/07/keranger-ransomware-hits-apple-mac/#2a9157886fdf” title”approximately $400 in ransom“] to unlock the devices.
While later reports said the number of infected devices [link url=”http://www.forbes.com/sites/thomasbrewster/2016/03/07/keranger-ransomware-hits-apple-mac/#2a9157886fdf” title”totaled less than 7,000,“] this was a very public incident that heightened public awareness of this new, growing concern.
Ransomware: a type of computer virus or malware that restricts access to the infected computer system and then demands that the owner of the infected system pay a ransom to regain access to the restricted files.
Larger institutions targeted
It’s not just individuals being targeted by cyber criminals who demand ransom to unlock infected devices. Larger institutions are frequently targeted, as well.
In February, Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center in California [link url=”http://www.reuters.com/article/us-california-hospital-cyberattack-idUSKCN0VS05M” title=”paid $17,000 in ransom to hackers“] to regain control of its computer system and end the standoff that paralyzed the hospital’s network — and slowed its operations — for more than 10 days.
Ransomware on the Rise, FBI and Partners Working to Combat This Cyber Threat http://t.co/javRolEkxk
— FBI Cincinnati (@FBICincinnati) January 26, 2015
Protect yourself against ransomware
Earlier this year, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) [link url=”https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/2015/january/ransomware-on-the-rise” title=”published some tips“] on how people can guard against becoming the next victim of a ransomware attack:
- Use updated antivirus software on your computer.
- Use strong passwords.
- Don’t use the same passwords for everything.
- Only download software from sites you know and trust.
- Don’t open attachments in unsolicited e-mails.
- Exercise caution on your cell phone as you do on your computer.
Read the FBI’s full set of tips [link url=”https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/2015/january/ransomware-on-the-rise” title=”here“].
Comments are closed.