Ransomware
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Cyber criminals target public institutions like libraries, schools, and hospitals due to their vast confidential databases and lack of cybersecurity defenses. An example is the St. Louis Public Library, which was hacked, affecting over 700 computers and resulting in a ransom demand of $35,000 in Bitcoin, which the library declined to pay. To combat ransomware, institutions are advised to keep systems updated, scrutinize email links, back up data safely, and act swiftly against suspicious processes.
Ransomware
- 2. “Cyber criminals are not just malicious...They’re business- oriented and seek to cash out on their efforts. That’s why, after testing ransomware on home users and evaluating the impact, they moved onto bigger targets: police departments, city councils and even schools and, worse, hospitals!” heimdalsecurity.com
- 3. Because public institutions, manage huge databases of personal and confidential information that cyber criminals can sell Because these institutions ofttimes lack cyber defenses that can protect them against ransomware Because the staff is not trained to spot cyber attacks (ransomware often leverages the human factor weakness to trigger the infection) Because public institutions often use outdated software and equipment, which means that their computer systems are packed with security holes just begging to be exploited Because ransomware has a big impact on conducting usual activities, causing huge disruptions heimdalsecurity.com Why do ransomware creators and distributors target public institutions?
- 4. Victims are hacked by clicking on an innocuous looking attachment or website link within an email. This releases malicious software that disables the victim’s computer system and computers on the same network. Ransom notes then appear across the network demanding money paid in Bitcoin in return for a decryption key that will disable the virus. There is no guarantee that the key will work or prevent further attacks.
- 5. St Louis Public Library Computers Inoperable ST. LOUIS, MO (KTVI) – All computers at St. Louis Public Library locations are inoperable. The library says that they have been hacked and over 700 computers at 16 branches computers are being held for ransom. "It's been a very sophisticated attack on our system," library executive director Waller McGuire said. "The library is not going to pay a ransom to open up its computers, so we didn't go that far." According to the library, hackers demanded $35,000 in the electronic currency Bitcoin -- but the library refuses to pay. Instead, it'll wipe the entire computer system and reset it, which could take days or weeks. The entire checkout system is on hold. No one can walk out with any of the library's 4 million books, magazines and videos. And all computers are frozen.
- 7. “Trust No One. Literally” 1. Keep system and antivirus patched and updated. Utilize pop-up blockers. 2. Scrutinize links contained in e-mails and do not open attachments included in unsolicited e-mails. Software should only be downloaded from trusted sites. 3. Back up data, make sure it is not accessible by computers. Some ransomware has the capability to lock cloud-based backups when systems continuously back up in real-time. 4. If you discover a rogue or unknown process on your machine, disconnect it immediately from the internet or other network connections, and shut it down. 5. Scareware impersonates AV and can be ignored, Screenlockers lock a machine up with a full screen message, but encrypting Ransomware “is the truly nasty stuff”.