Ransomware
Ransomware is a type of malware in which hackers access files and encrypt them, demanding payment to restore access. Coverage includes ransomware attacks on cities, states, schools and public utilities, as well as legislative efforts to curb the threat and set policy on how to respond.
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After a ransomware incident in January, officials made changes including updating IT protocols. A second attack this week took affected systems offline, but not 911 and emergency services.
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Following the county’s second such attack this year, Minnesota’s National Guard will provide cyber protection support. The more recent incident was continuing to impact emergency and municipal services Tuesday.
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A ransomware attack in January in New Britain, Conn., and an attempted “interruption” in Meriden in February highlight the ongoing cybersecurity threat to municipalities and others.
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U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called on the Federal Trade Commission to pressure businesses to protect consumer data. He also urged the Department of Justice to strengthen investigations and prosecutions of hackers.
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The cyber criminal group reportedly responsible for the attack has published 500GB of files containing Social Security numbers, passport details, student psychological assessments and other information.
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The city of Buffalo has accepted access to the CrowdStrike cybersecurity platform as part of a no-cost partnership with the state’s Joint Security Operations Center, which launched earlier this year.
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The federal agency tasked with safeguarding U.S. cyber infrastructure is pushing to make cybersecurity a “kitchen table issue.” Director Jen Easterly said her mission has been, in part, to cut the “nerdspeak.”
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Keeping up strong data breach defenses is tricky as technologies evolve and governments adjust to hybrid environments. Maricopa County CISO Lester Godsey explains why data inventorying, vendor risk management and cybersecurity audits are key.
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After Fremont County called a declaration of local disaster because of a cyber attack against computer systems, departments have been steadily coming back online thanks to the county's IT team.
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City officials in Wheat Ridge, Colo., have decided not to pay the $5 million ransom demanded by the cyber criminals that breached city systems Aug. 29. The attack forced the closure of City Hall for more than a week.
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The cybercriminals responsible for the Sept. 3 attack against Los Angeles Unified School District systems are now making ransom demands. Officials said they do not believe student Social Security numbers were accessed.
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The South Redford School District has canceled classes for the second day in a row following a cyber attack against its computer system. Cyber attacks against school networks are only expected to increase through 2023.
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With ransomware attacks against school districts becoming more aggressive amid the influx of digital tools being used in the classroom, digital identity management software could help save schools millions in payouts.
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The Fremont County Board of Commissioners voted to extend the emergency declaration that followed an Aug. 27 cyber attack against government systems. This is the second time commissioners have voted to extend the declaration.
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Forensic investigators say a ransomware attack in June that shut down the college's website and network systems could have given intruders access to first and last names, Social Security numbers and other data.
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While LAUSD is still investigating a cyber attack that crippled its network over Labor Day weekend, the FBI said criminal syndicates such as Vice Society are habitually targeting schools and hospitals.
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A ransomware attack during Super Bowl week on San Francisco 49ers systems that breached nearly 21,000 individual ticket-holder and other files has resulted in a class action lawsuit filed against the organization.
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Colorado officials have determined a cyber attack discovered by Fremont County officials in mid-August and which has limited county services for three weeks was carried out by a ransomware variant.
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As Los Angeles Unified School District recovers from a cyber attack, other school officials and cybersecurity experts discuss precautions they take against such threats and the costs associated with them.
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Montenegro, Estonia and new NATO applicant Finland are just three of the countries being hit hard by sophisticated cyber attacks. What’s happening and who’s next?
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A cyber attack took out a server at Baker & Taylor, a major library books, software and service provider working with the likes of the New York Public Library. The company is still working to restore its systems.
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