Ransomware is an ever-evolving form of malware designed to encrypt files on a device, rendering any files and the systems that rely on them unusable. Malicious actors then demand ransom in exchange for decryption. Ransomware actors often target and threaten to sell or leak exfiltrated data or authentication information if the ransom is not paid. In recent years, ransomware incidents have become increasingly prevalent among the Nation’s state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) government entities and critical infrastructure organizations.
Malicious actors continue to adjust their ransomware tactics over time, including pressuring victims for payment by threatening to release stolen data if they refuse to pay, and publicly naming and shaming victims as secondary forms of extortion. Malicious actors engage in the lateral movement to target critical data and propagate ransomware across entire networks. These actors also increasingly use tactics, such as deleting system backups, that make restoration and recovery more difficult or infeasible for impacted organizations. Do you feel that your IT provider is doing enough? Give us a call at (843) 284-9565 and let's talk about a few things, it will not be as painful as trying to recover from a Ransomware attack, and if you are one of those do-it-yourself companies read this ransomware guide. One thing I will tell you is that I prefer to defend the system prior to the bad guys breaking in but a backup that they can't delete is always important to have.
