CHAIR’S CORNER – RANSOMWARE
from Denise Fast
In today’s world, where everyone’s digital lives are woven into almost every aspect of their daily routines, the threat of ransomware looms larger than ever.
According to a Sophos State of Ransomware survey of 5,000 IT and cybersecurity leaders released in April of 2024, 59% of organizations were hit by a ransomware attack in 2023. Of those victims, 56% paid a ransom to get their data back. Exploited vulnerabilities were the most commonly identified root cause of an attack, impacting 32% of organizations. This was closely followed by compromised credentials (29%) and malicious emails (23%).
Ransomware is a security threat that can come in many forms. Most commonly, it is hosted as malicious software on websites that users visit with their computers or smartphones. It locks up their files and the hackers then demand a ransom to unlock them. It also comes in the form of phishing attacks that contain links or attachments that are designed to download a type of malicious software on a user's computer, which can then lock up their files and display a message demanding payment for release. This is a nightmare that has become all too real for millions.
Some best practices
• Don't open suspicious files or links
• Keep software updated (especially operating systems and browsers)
• Use multi-factor authentication for all online accounts (Google accounts, online banking, social media platforms, etc.)
• Use unique, secure passwords
• Back up data regularly and encrypt files to prevent them from falling into hackers' hands
Educating yourself, family, and friends about suspicious links and emails can also help prevent attacks. Phishing attempts often trick users into clicking malicious attachments or links; awareness is key in avoiding such traps. Stay vigilant.