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.
This year the Los Angeles Superior Court was hit by a ransomware attack that infected its computer system with damaging software, forcing it to temporarily close.
One state lawmaker in Michigan is calling for heightened penalties for ransomware attacks that affect hospital systems after an attack last week impacted the McLaren hospital system.
Ransomware attacks against the health-care sector put lives at risk — and they’re getting worse. But federal authorities are providing free cybersecurity resources to foster systemwide change.
Some ransomware actors aren’t just stealing data and encrypting files — they’re also searching for damaging information, threatening violence and trying other techniques to amp up pressure on victims.
The state’s second most populous county has created the force after a roundtable discussion by county IT leaders last week. The move is in response to the general ramping up of cyberattacks.
A federal grand jury has indicted a North Korean national for his part in an alleged hacking and extortion conspiracy that targeted a Kansas hospital, NASA, U.S. Air Force bases and health-care entities from Colorado to Florida.
Several recently released cyber industry reports show steady or growing ransomware numbers in 2024 so far, and impacts on business and government have never been greater.
More than 200,000 people nationwide had their Social Security numbers, medical information, health insurance details and other data exposed during a Dallas County ransomware attack last fall.
The local government declared a “local disaster emergency” due to a “significant disruption in services as a result of a criminal ransomware attack.” This follows disruptions to the county courthouse and probation/community corrections.
All Clay County Courthouse offices and the Clay County Health Department are closed as of 2 p.m. Tuesday, and they will remain closed Wednesday as officials evaluate the developing situation there.
